You may have heard the term “meth mouth” in the news or in conversation, but you might not know what it is. It is related to the abuse of the illegal drug methamphetamine, which is a concern especially in rural areas and in the midwestern, southwestern, and western regions of the United States. Since drug usage continues to be an ongoing problem, you should be familiar with the harmful effects that can occur from abusing methamphetamines.

What are methamphetamines?
This type of drug is a strong stimulant that affects a person’s central nervous system. Usage can cause nausea, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, hyperthermia, and permanent brain damage. Methamphetamine abuse is also linked to rampant tooth decay, which is the reason for the term “meth mouth.”

How does it affect the mouth?
Meth mouth refers to the devastating damage to the user’s oral health from abusing the highly addictive drug methamphetamine. Teeth often become stained, blackened, rotten, and literally can crumble from long term use of this drug. Many times, teeth can’t be saved and must be removed. Experts suggest that this extensive tooth decay results from the physical and psychological changes of drug use that cause dry mouth and poor dental hygiene.

Why are methamphetamines especially damaging to the mouth?
The “high” that users get from methamphetamines lasts longer than the effects from many other drugs. For example, the effects of methamphetamines last for twelve hours, while cocaine only lasts for one hour. This often results in meth users ignoring their oral hygiene for long periods of time. Also, while under the effects of the drug, users tend to crave sugary carbonated drinks or grind their teeth. These habits both increase risks of damage to teeth and gums.

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