Methamphetamine, also called meth, blue, ice, or crystal is a very powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug that affects a person’s central nervous system. Meth releases a surge of dopamine in a person’s body, which causes an intense rush of euphoria and pleasure. After prolonged use of methamphetamines, it destroys the dopamine receptors and makes it impossible to feel pleasure otherwise. According to NCBI:
An estimated 12.3 million Americans, or 5% of the adult population, have used methamphetamine at least once, claims a US expert on substance misuse. He also says an estimated 600 000 people are weekly users of the drug.
Meth does devastating things to a person’s health. One of the first problems of meth use is the negative effect it has on your dental health. Smoking meth causes damaging problems to your teeth and causes something known as “meth mouth”. It is characterized by severe tooth decay, gum disease, and poor dental health. This causes teeth to break and/or fall out. Those addicted to methamphetamines have often had teeth that are blackened, stained, crumbling, and rotting. The signs of meth mouth include the following:
- Dry mouth
- Cracked, loose, or missing teeth
- Gum disease, gingivitis, and periodontitis
- Lockjaw
- Micro cavities
- Teeth grinding and clenching
- Black and rotting teeth
- Bad breath
What Causes Teeth Problems for Meth Users?
Meth mouth can develop for many different reasons. For those who are addicted to meth, a combination of poor dental health, a lack of regular dental maintenance, and poor nutrition habits can all be contributing factors. Typically, those abusing meths hold up poor diets and may seek out sweets and soda, also called buzzing, damages the enamel. This factor along with poor overall hygiene creates a perfect storm. Smoking meth also causes cavities. An untreated cavity can lead to nerve damage, tooth damage, and even abscesses in the mouth. Additionally, when a person is at the height of their addiction, dental hygiene seems an unimportant thing to focus on. Chipped teeth displayed by those with meth mouth occur from grinding the teeth while high. The highly acidic ingredients in meth erode and weaken a person’s teeth, which makes them weaker and easier to break. Meth contains ingredients such as battery acid, antifreeze, drain cleaner, and lantern fluid all of which destroy the body and corrode the mouth. Meth also dries out the salivary glands, which allows the mouth to be able to produce more bacteria, rotting the teeth and leading to gum decay.
How to Stop Using Crystal Meth
The best and safest option to getting off Methamphetamines is by the use of one of the many treatment programs we offer at Evoke Wellness at Cohasset. We offer partial care and outpatient treatment programs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one on one, group therapy, as well as many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs. Addiction treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. We want to make sure you have the tools you need to avoid relapse in the real world. Addiction is never an easy thing to face and the health risks are not worth a short high. Getting sober can be hard, but the rewards you will get in life are worth it. For your sake, you do not have to face getting off crystal meth on your own. Our admissions counselors and addiction professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let us help you do it!
