Muse Treatment: What Is Meth Mouth?

There are many adverse symptoms associated with using methamphetamine, and one of the most notorious is meth mouth. But what is meth mouth exactly? The term meth mouth is used to describe the severe tooth decay and oral health problems that can occur in people who regularly use methamphetamine. The harmful ingredients of meth, like battery acid, fertilizers, and household cleaning agents, can severely damage teeth and contribute to meth mouth. Meth use can lead to dry mouth, erosion of tooth enamel, and other dental issues. The severe health effects of meth addiction and abuse are among the many reasons why it’s important to seek treatment if users are having issues quitting the drug.

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What Causes Meth Mouth?

The primary causes of meth mouth is due to the acidic nature of meth, which erodes tooth enamel, as well as the drug’s effects of reducing saliva production and causing teeth grinding. This can lead to severe cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. It’s not just how meth causes teeth damage that can adversely impact a user’s mouth. The high from meth use can last approximately 12 hours, during which users often experience strong cravings for sugary substances like soda and candy. Meth users also tend to clench or grind their teeth, resulting in significant wear on their teeth. Often, users neglect to brush or floss their teeth for days, leading to an increased risk of dental disease.

How to Avoid Meth Mouth?

Other than avoiding the drug altogether, there are ways to avoid the impact of xerostomia, better known as dry mouth. Saliva acts as a buffer in the mouth against acidic substances that people eat or drink. When saliva production is reduced, the number of oral bacteria can increase. Methamphetamines dry out the salivary glands, and when there is not enough saliva, the acid content in the mouth will start to destroy the enamel on the teeth.

Besides seeking addiction treatment through meth detox in Los Angeles, maintaining proper dental hygiene at home is the best way to avoid meth mouth. This includes brushing and flossing twice a day, receiving bi-annual dental checkups, and staying hydrated to avoid dry mouth. Users should also chew sugar-free gum to help boost saliva and wear a retainer to avoid grinding teeth during sleep.

What Is Meth Mouth

Can You Get Meth Mouth by Snorting?

Regardless of how meth is abused, whether ingesting, smoking, snorting, or injecting, users face the drug’s negative impacts, including meth mouth. The general use of meth will always lead to a high, which typically causes users to crave sweets, including consuming large amounts of soda and sugary drinks while on this high. They may also ignore personal hygiene like daily brushing and flossing due to the drug’s effects. Overall, the drug’s acidity, tendency to cause dry mouth and teeth grinding, and the user’s oral hygiene can all contribute to the development of meth mouth regardless of the specific method of use.

How to Fix Meth Mouth?

As always, the most responsible approach is to never begin using methamphetamine or any illicit substances in the first place, as prevention is the best course of action. For those struggling with addiction and the resulting dental problems, the priority should be seeking comprehensive medical and addiction treatment support from qualified professionals.

However, if addiction and long-term use are a reality for the person, repairing the damage caused by meth use requires a multi-faceted approach overseen by a dentist, including:

Thorough dental cleanings and treatments to address cavities, gum disease, and other issues
Possible extractions of severely damaged teeth
Restorative treatments like fillings, crowns, bridges, or dentures
Long-term commitment to excellent oral hygiene habits

Learn What Is Meth Mouth and Overcome Meth Addiction at Muse Treatment

While 0.9% (or about 2.5 million people) reported using methamphetamine in the past 12 months in 2021, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the danger is severe. Knowing what is meth mouth can help people avoid using the drug or find treatment to overcome the addiction. Meth mouth is one of the telltale signs of meth addiction, and if you have concerns about your own or someone else’s oral health, it is best to consult with a medical professional who can offer personalized guidance and support. Muse Treatment is a reputable meth detox center in Los Angeles that provides patients the opportunity to address the mental and physical aspects of meth addiction. Our patients have access to counseling, therapy, and support groups that can assist them in uncovering the underlying factors contributing to their addiction and in developing effective coping strategies for sustained recovery. Please call us at 800-428-1818 today to learn more about how our professional meth detox and treatment facility can assist you in overcoming meth addiction in a caring and professional environment.