Methamphetamine, or meth, is a dangerous, illicit drug. While it can cause many life-threatening risks, including sudden overdose, it also creates oral hygiene problems for users. This is often referred to as “meth mouth.” Understanding the meth effects on teeth is important, as this is a very common problem associated with this type of drug use. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, we can help you get treatment, including to help improve the physical damage this addiction has caused for you.
What Are Meth Effects on Teeth?
In just one year of use of this drug, the meth effects on teeth become noticeable. It often includes significant damage to the teeth, the development of gum disease, and often oral bone damage. There is no way to cure this type of damage once it occurs. Most of the time, tooth extraction becomes necessary to minimize the risk of ongoing infections. Not everyone with oral health problems is using meth. However, if you suspect that your loved one is using, his or her oral health can be an indication of what’s happening.
Signs of Meth Use
Meth is never safe to use. It causes significant damage to the teeth and oral cavity, but it is also a drug that can lead to overdose. Some people will find that it creates irreversible damage to cognitive function as well. Common symptoms of this drug use include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Skin damage, usually in the form of infections or acne
- High blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Brain damage
In terms of the meth effects on teeth, you may notice clenching or grinding of the teeth, red, swollen gums, tooth decay that you can see (such as discoloration), and cravings for sugary drinks. Meth creates a number of problems for the teeth. Initial use can cause staining of the teeth, often leading to a yellowing or brown coloring of the teeth. Over time, this worsens to decay of the actual tooth. In just one year of use, many people have lost at least one tooth.
The key reason for this is the drug’s acidic makeup. Because it is so acidic, it dries out the mouth. It makes it hard for the salivary glands to function normally, creating a constant dry mouth. This allows for the bacteria that is normally present in the mouth to reproduce and flourish without any risk of being controlled.
In addition, meth typically causes cravings for sweet drinks. Many times, this becomes an insatiable need. That sugar continues to feed the bacteria present in the mouth, worsening symptoms, and damage to the teeth.
A final component to this damage occurs in many addicts. Basic hygiene becomes hard to manage because of the need to use drugs. As a result, many people with an addiction to meth will have poor overall oral hygiene.
What Can You Do About Meth Addiction?
If you or your loved one is using meth, being aggressive about treatment is critical. At our meth detox center, you will learn there is help available to you. Our goal is to help you to stop wanting to use the drug. This is done in a very safe and secure area where you can work on improving not just your oral health but your overall health.
During detox, you will learn about your addiction. In addition, we will help you to manage your withdrawal symptoms from meth and help you with any type of mental health disorders you have. In addition, you’ll have your emotional and physical needs met, including providing you with nutritional counseling and support. Many people who are facing the intensities of meth addiction will benefit from our comprehensive individual therapy programs, where you’ll begin to learn that you are able to break this habit and restore your health.
Restore Your Health with Help from Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
Meth effects on teeth are just one of the complications this type of drug use can cause. That’s why it is so important for you to reach out for help from a trusted, reliable source for addiction. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, we can help you to start on the path towards recovery. Learn more about our services by calling 866.294.5306 today.
