Today, there is a growing population that has lost most of their teeth to a condition known as “meth mouth”.  Methamphetamine – known on the streets as meth, speed, ice, chalk, crank, fire, glass and crystal – has recently been identified as one of the most destructive substances/drugs to affect oral health in recent years, if not ever.  Rampant decay occurs at an incredibly fast rate and can ruin a mouth in a short period of time.  Within a year, dentures may be the only option for users.  The rampant decay can be attributed to several things.  Typically, there is a lack of concern about oral hygiene in patients who utilize the drugs.  Combine that with drug-induced xerostomia (dry mouth), an increase in bruxism (grinding teeth), a craving for carbohydrates and sweets (notably soda pop) and the caustic nature of the ingredients used to make the drug and the stage is set for huge oral health concerns.

Like many other street drugs, the ingredients are mutable.  There isn’t any quality control in the meth department!  People typically don’t know who made it, where it came from and what it is made of.  Methamphetamines are manufactured in small home labs of rural areas of the country. 

A methamphetamine high can last for up to 12 hours.  A typical meth user will take doses every three to eight hours to stay awake or every one to four hours to remain high.  Heavy users can go through a gram or more a day.  Despite all the information available, the drug has only been placed on the “radar screens” of dental professionals within the last few years.  It was originally thought to be a concern of rural areas, but has been found in all walks of life and in all localities.  Regardless of location or makeup of the population, methamphetamine use has been found. 

Meth can be taken orally, intranasally, intravenously or by smoking it.  Each method affects the body, but smoking and snorting gives the drug more contact with the teeth.  Meth causes increased wakefulness and physical activity, decreased appetite, hyperthermia (increased temperature) and a feeling of euphoria.  It increases the heart rate and blood pressure and can cause respiratory problems and an irregularity in the heartbeat. 

In addition to the dangers presented by using meth alone, the drug can negatively interact with drugs that dentists utilize in the office.  It would be wonderful if all people who utilize street drugs told their dentist, but unfortunately it isn’t something that is regularly admitted to in the office.  “Hi, I’m an illegal drug user”, just doesn’t happen very often!  Unfortunately, it can significantly increase the potential for heart attack or stroke when interacting with medications such as the local anesthetics we utilize on a daily basis.  If someone has taken methamphetamines within the last 24 hours prior to a dental appointment, they are at risk for a serious systemic problem.  These problems are compounded if meth users utilize other drugs as well.

Methamphetamine use is a growing problem and is having devastating results on oral health.  Next week I will share some other information about the use of meth.  Have a great week.