Until fairly recently, it was not easy to tell that a person was a drug abuser by looking at their teeth. That has changed with the rise in use of methamphetamine (or meth) in the last decade in the US.  I’m personally amazed at the increase in the meth-destroyed mouths I’ve seen in my practice in the last several years. The teeth of meth addicts are often severely decayed, blackened, and broken off, and their gums are often red and swollen.  There are several ways using meth can adversely affect teeth and gums:

• It’s acidic property can deminerize tooth enamel
• It can cause dry mouth, which creates an environment where decay causing bacteria can flourish
• It can cause cravings for sugared soda pop
• Users tend to clench and grind their teeth
• The long duration of the “high” precludes thorough and regular oral hygiene

Serious medical consequences are attributed to meth use as well.  High blood pressure, permanent brain damage, convulsions, irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath are well-documented effects of meth use.

Methamphetamine is relatively inexpensive and easy to make.  It is also very addictive.  This drug causes high levels of neurotransmitters (naturally occurring brain chemicals) to accumulate in the brain, which stimulate brain cells and cause a feeling of euphoria in users.  There are tens of thousands of illegal meth labs across the country—many in rural areas like our own.   The vast majority are found in the western and mid-western United States.  According to a 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 12.3 million Americans had tried meth at least once—that’s over 5% of the population. 

If you or someone you care about is using methamphetamine, help is available. Information and referrals can be found on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s website is www.samhsa.gov, as well as the National Institute for Drug Abuse at www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/methamphetamine.html, or call 1-800-662-HELP.

Keep smiling!

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Caron Nelson Glickman, DDS has been helping her patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles in Duvall since 1992.

          For more information, contact 425-788-1551.

          Caron Nelson Glickman,DDS
          26425 NE Allen Street, #102 • Duvall
          425-788-1551 • caronnelson@comcast.net
          www.great-smile.com