When someone we love smiles, it brightens our entire day. But over time, meth causes damage, making them self-conscious and taking their smile away from us.
Research shows that more than 40% of people who frequently use meth are embarrassed about their dental appearance. “Meth mouth” is a condition where, through repeated use of methamphetamines, severe tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral problems set in.
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we know that the damage from addiction can continue long after treatment ends. That’s why we provide the largest alumni community in our region, dedicated to staying connected with our clients through every step of their journey.
Today, we’re going to talk about meth mouth – what causes it, what the consequences are, and how you can get your loved one the help they need.
Meth mouth is caused by a variety of factors and will vary from individual. However, there are several core reasons.
One of the chemicals in meth is hydrochloric acid – when meth is smoked, this acid is released. Hydrochloric acid is incredibly powerful and can dissolve both gum tissue and teeth alike. The more often meth is smoked, the more damage this acid can do.
When taking meth, your loved one might grind or clench their teeth, a behavior known as bruxism. Over time, and in combination with the weakened state from the acid, this can wear away their teeth, leading to chips and cracks. This can also lead to gum damage, with the tension causing the gums to recede.
Meth can also cause symptoms of dry mouth, or xerostomia. This lets any bacteria grow more freely in the mouth, helping cavities quickly expand. When this is combined with damage from meth use, it can quickly lead to tooth decay.
Despite all of these, there remains a key factor: dental hygiene. Many who use meth believe that the damage is inevitable, so stop caring for their teeth. This only speeds up the decline. Maintaining good oral hygiene can significantly reduce the damage from methamphetamine use.
Meth mouth has no specific definition, but is really a variety of symptoms mixed together. As meth use continues over time, these symptoms may continue to worsen, and can quickly become permanent.
Early on, symptoms may be relatively minor. Stained teeth, bad breath, and sores are typical, with some minor cavities beginning. At this stage, damage is unlikely to be permanent, but can quickly add up to concerning levels.
As use continues, more serious symptoms can begin to set in. As the damage accumulates, gum disease, decay, and chipped or cracked teeth are common. Tooth loss can occur, and often damage at this stage will require extensive dental care.
If your loved one develops meth mouth over a long period of time, there are often serious health and lifestyle consequences.
Socially, they may feel shame and embarrassment over the damage, and be less likely to seek help, leading to the development of mental health conditions. Their employment prospects might diminish since many customer-facing jobs benefit from a healthy smile. Eating and drinking can be painful due to mouth sores and lesions, leading to discomfort and potentially malnutrition.
Physically, tooth decay and gum disease can have significant long-term effects. Research suggests your loved one is much more likely to develop heart disease if their gums aren’t healthy. Tooth decay and tooth loss have been linked with cancer, and infections can potentially develop.
Outside of a few symptoms, like mild gum disease or teeth staining, the damage from meth mouth is largely permanent. This means that the best treatment is to prevent meth mouth from developing in the first place. Seeking treatment for meth use or meth addiction is critical at this step.
Once meth mouth sets in, treatment revolves around repairing the damage. For minor symptoms, such as teeth staining or cavities, simple dental procedures like fillings or bleaching can help. However, for more serious symptoms, major dental surgery is often required. Your partner may need to have one or several teeth removed, with implants or dentures used to replace the missing teeth. The specific treatments will depend on the severity of the damage.
When living with meth mouth, it’s easy to get discouraged – after all, the damage is already done. But no matter how far along meth mouth has developed, remind your loved one that the damage can be repaired, and recovery is always possible. Meth addiction treatment is available.
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we want you to know that our facilities are focused on your recovery. With a 1:8 staff-to-patient ratio, we ensure your loved ones get the hands-on attention and care they need, not only for initial treatment, but their entire recovery journey. If you would like to help them take their first steps today, please call us at 866-957-7885.
Strength. Acceptance. Recovery. Community.
Q: Can smoking meth cause oral thrush?
A: Yes, smoking meth can cause oral thrush. Oral thrush is caused by a fungal infection. Smoking meth damages your gums and mouth, lowering your ability to fight off any throat infection.
Q: Does meth always cause meth mouth?
A: Given enough time, meth use will likely eventually lead to meth mouth. However, this can be delayed with proper and consistent oral hygiene – flossing, brushing, and drinking plenty of water.
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