Under the Influence: Your Teeth on Drugs
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Under the Influence: Your Teeth on Drugs
You already know that drug abuse is bad for your health.
From heart problems to cancer, street drugs can cause serious health risks, if not death. But did you know that drugs can harm your teeth as well?
Here’s a look at the dangers six substances pose to your oral health.
Methamphetamine
Also known as “meth” or “crystal meth,” this drug is one of the top most destructive substances for your mouth. The effects of methamphetamine are so extreme that users are often identified by “meth mouth,” in which the teeth along the cheeks are severely decayed. They may be worn down to the gums or black with decay. Both the components of the drug and the behavior it induces in the user are responsible for this rapid rotting of the teeth. Made of highly acidic ingredients, meth softens tooth enamel and can wear it down within weeks. The drug also increases anxiety levels, which can cause users to grind their teeth, speeding up erosion.
Ecstasy (MDMA)
Known by the names “Molly” and “E,” this drug doesn’t just cause hallucinations. It also results in dry mouth in up to 99% of users, and this dryness can last up to two days after use. The higher the dose of the drug, the more severe the dry mouth. This condition not only increases a person’s chance of developing cavities, it is also linked to gum disease. Users of ecstasy may load up on soda and other sugary drinks to compensate, only worsening the effects of decay. This behaviour wears down the teeth and can worsen jaw pain.
Marijuana
Linked to dry mouth, this psychoactive herb can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. Like cigarettes, smoking marijuana can contribute to oral cancer and gum disease, as it cuts off blood flow in the mouth. In fact, heavy users may be 60% more likely to have gum disease than those who don’t smoke marijuana.
Cocaine
Cocaine mixes with saliva to form an acidic substance that can wear down teeth, dissolving enamel and destroying tooth restorations. Frequent use of cocaine damages the palate, making it hard to speak, eat and drink.Users may rub the drug on their gums, causing mouth ulcers and damage to the jaw bone. Other oral health problems include bruxism (tooth grinding), which may lead to jaw and muscle pain in the temporomandibular joint, and dry mouth.
Heroin
Heroin is an opiate drug linked to severe dental problems. It increases cravings for sweet foods, a recipe for decay, since the drug also dries out the mouth. Another effect is tooth grinding, which wears down the enamel. Heroin users are also more likely to experience gum disease, oral fungus, oral viral infections and discoloration of the tongue.
Kindly Note If you or someone you know has an addiction, talk with Dr.Thomas K Paulose to find an appropriate treatment program. Establishing an honest relationship with Dr.Nechupadam Dental,Marine Drive can pave the way for recovery from the addiction and to restoration of oral health.
