Meth Mouth
Overview
Methamphetamine Use and Oral Health (Meth Mouth)
Dental health care professionals should be aware that methamphetamine use is widespread in the U.S. The allure of this drug is that it is cheap, easy to make and the high lasts much longer than crack cocaine (12 hours versus one hour for cocaine). As well as being a potent central nervous system stimulant that can cause permanent brain damage, methamphetamine use has also been associated with severe oral health effects. Dental professionals should be aware of methamphetamine’s oral health effects and the treatment considerations for users of this drug.
Dental health care professionals should be aware that methamphetamine use is widespread in the U.S. The allure of this drug is that it is cheap, easy to make and the high lasts much longer than crack cocaine (12 hours versus one hour for cocaine). As well as being a potent central nervous system stimulant that can cause permanent brain damage, methamphetamine use has also been associated with severe oral health effects. Dental professionals should be aware of methamphetamine’s oral health effects and the treatment considerations for users of this drug.
Street names for Methamphetamine
Meth, Speed, Ice, Chalk, Crank, Fire, Glass, and Crystal
Meth, Speed, Ice, Chalk, Crank, Fire, Glass, and Crystal
Drug description
Methamphetamine can be smoked, snorted, injected or taken orally. Typically, it is a bitter tasting powder that readily dissolves in beverages. Another common form of the drug is a clear, chunky crystal. This is the form known as “ice” or “crystal meth” and it is smoked in a manner similar to crack cocaine. Methamphetamine can also be in the form of small, brightly colored tablets. The pills are often called by their Thai name, yaba.
Methamphetamine can be smoked, snorted, injected or taken orally. Typically, it is a bitter tasting powder that readily dissolves in beverages. Another common form of the drug is a clear, chunky crystal. This is the form known as “ice” or “crystal meth” and it is smoked in a manner similar to crack cocaine. Methamphetamine can also be in the form of small, brightly colored tablets. The pills are often called by their Thai name, yaba.
Oral effects
The oral effects of methamphetamine use can be devastating. Reports have described rampant caries that resembles early childhood caries and is being referred to as “meth mouth.” 4, 5, 6 A distinct and often severe pattern of decay can often be seen on the buccal smooth surface of the teeth and the interproximal surfaces of the anterior teeth.4
The oral effects of methamphetamine use can be devastating. Reports have described rampant caries that resembles early childhood caries and is being referred to as “meth mouth.” 4, 5, 6 A distinct and often severe pattern of decay can often be seen on the buccal smooth surface of the teeth and the interproximal surfaces of the anterior teeth.4
Be on the lookout for:
- Unaccounted for and accelerated decay in teenagers and young adults.
- Distinctive pattern of decay on the buccal smooth surface of the teeth and the interproximal surfaces of the anterior teeth.
- Malnourished appearance in heavy users, because methamphetamine acts as an appetite suppressant.
What dental health-care providers can do when they suspect methamphetamine use:
- Complete a comprehensive oral examination that includes taking a thorough dental and medical history.
- Express concern regarding the dental findings.7
- If the patient is receptive to a medical consult, have the phone number of a local physician, clinic or substance abuse rehabilitation facility available and be familiar with their protocol, so that the patient can be told what to expect.7
- Use preventive measures such as topical fluorides.
- Encourage consumption of water rather than sugar-containing carbonated beverages.
- Be cautious when administering local anesthetics, sedatives or general anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or prescribing narcotics.
- Take opportunities to educate your patients about the risks associated with methamphetamine or any illicit drug use.
References
- U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA for Teens. Mind over Matter: Teaching Guide.
- Daberkow DP, Kesner RP, Keefe KA. Relation between methamphetamine-induced monoamine depletions in the striatum and sequential motor learning. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2005;81(1):198-204. (July 29, 2005)
- Belcher AM, O’dell SJ, Marshall JF. Impaired Object Recognition Memory Following Methamphetamine, but not p-Chloroamphetamine- or d-Amphetamine-Induced Neurotoxicity. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2005;30(11): 2026-34
- Shaner JW. Caries associated with methamphetamine abuse. J Mich Dent Assoc 2002;84(9):42-7.
- McGrath C, Chan B. Oral health sensations associated with illicit drug abuse. Br Dent J 2005;198(3):159-62.
- Howe AM. Methamphetamine and childhood and adolescent caries. Aust Dent J 1995;40(5):340.
- Venker D. Crystal methamphetamine and the dental patient. Iowa Dent J 1999;85(4):34
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