Meth Addict Teeth: The Sad Reality of Crystal Meth Abuse

Posted By Pursuant on Feb 17, 2022 | 0 comments

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that can severely damage the teeth. This is because meth addicts often grind their teeth and clench their jaws when high. As a result, many meth users have extremely poor dental health. In this blog post, we will look at meth addict teeth and the gruesome reality of methamphetamine abuse and how it affects the teeth.

What is methamphetamine
How methamphetamine is made
The short- and long-term effects of methamphetamine on the body
How methamphetamine abuse affects teeth specifically
What can be done to prevent or reverse the damage caused by meth abuse
Resources for those who need help quitting meth

What is methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a potent central nervous system stimulant used as a drug. It is a white, odorless, and bitter-tasting powder dissolved in water or alcohol. Meth, as it is commonly called, can be injected, smoked, snorted, or taken orally. It also has attained street callings as chalk, crystal, crank, ice, or speed. Methamphetamine abuse can lead to addiction and severe health problems. Crystal meth addiction is a serious problem in the United States since this dangerously addictive drug can have severe health consequences, including stroke and permanent brain damage.

How methamphetamine is made

Methamphetamine is made in a clandestine laboratory by combining various over-the-counter medications and household chemicals such as pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient in cold medicines. One can make it with simple ingredients readily available to most people. Some also use hydrogen peroxide, battery acid, antifreeze, energy boosters, nail polish remover, paint thinners, and even Freon.

Methamphetamine is easy to make, which is one of the reasons it is such a popular drug.

The short- and long-term effects of methamphetamine on the body}

tooth decay from meth abuse Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant that can boost wakefulness and physical activity while decreasing appetite in lower dosages. It can also induce several cardiovascular issues, such as an elevated heart rate, an irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure.

Methamphetamine overdose can cause hyperthermia (high body temperature) and seizures, leading to death if not treated quickly.

Other short-term effects may include:

increased attention and decreased fatigue
decreased appetite
euphoria and rush
increased respiration
rapid/irregular heartbeat

Long-term methamphetamine abuse has many negative consequences, including addiction. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use accompanied by functional and molecular changes in the brain.

Dissatisfaction that fuels further addiction

Chronic methamphetamine abusers may develop difficulty feeling any pleasure other than that provided by the drug, fueling further abuse. Withdrawal from methamphetamine occurs when a chronic abuser stops taking the illegal substance; withdrawal symptoms include depression, anxiety, fatigue, and an intense craving for the drug.

Psychotic tendencies

In addition to being addicted to methamphetamine, people who use methamphetamine on a long-term basis may exhibit symptoms that can include significant anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior. They also may display several psychotic features, including paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions (for example, the sensation of insects creeping under the skin).

Psychotic symptoms can sometimes last for months or years after quitting using methamphetamine. Stress has been shown to precipitate spontaneous recurrence of methamphetamine psychosis in people who use methamphetamine and have previously experienced psychosis.

Other long-term changes include:

changes in brain structure and function
deficits in thinking and motor skills
increased distractibility
memory loss
aggressive or violent behavior
mood disturbances
severe dental problems
weight loss

Over time, smoking meth can cause irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, stroke, violent behavior, anxiety, confusion, paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. It can also negatively affect the ability to learn.

Meth Mouth: How methamphetamine abuse affects teeth

tooth damage from meth addiction Methamphetamine abuse can cause extensive damage to teeth. Methamphetamine users often grind their teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Methamphetamine can also cause bad breath and dry mouth, which can lead to even more tooth decay. Crystal meth addiction can also lead to loss of teeth.

“Meth mouth” is characterized by severe tooth decay and gum disease, which often causes teeth to break or fall out.

The teeth of people addicted to methamphetamines are characterized by being blackened, stained, rotting, crumbling, and falling apart. Often, the teeth cannot be salvaged and must be removed. The extensive tooth decay is likely caused by a combination of drug-induced psychological and physiological changes resulting in dry mouth, untreated tooth decay, and long periods of poor oral hygiene. Methamphetamine itself is also acidic.

What can be done to prevent or reverse the damage caused by meth abuse

People can do a few things to prevent or reverse meth mouth and the damage caused by methamphetamine abuse. Meth users should regularly brush their teeth and floss, as well as drink plenty of water to help keep their mouths hydrated. They should also avoid acidic foods and drinks, further damaging teeth.

If someone has already developed meth mouth, it is recommended by the American Dental Association that they see a dentist immediately. The dentist can clean the teeth and gums, prescribe antibiotics if necessary, and may even need to remove some or all of the person’s teeth if with severe tooth decay.

Ultimately, the best course of treatment for someone living with an oral disease caused by meth use is to treat the addiction. The dentist may choose to educate patients on the effects of the drug and offer resources such as drug counseling services. Treating meth addiction is usually a long, ongoing process that requires medical detox along with continuous therapy and social support to prevent a relapse.

Resources for those who need help quitting meth

teeth before and after meth addiction If you or someone you know is struggling with methamphetamine addiction, several resources are available to help. Methamphetamine addiction can be challenging to overcome on your own, so it is crucial to seek professional medical advice and help. Recovery for meth addiction requires a comprehensive meth addiction treatment plan that consists of detoxification, counseling, and therapy.

Detox will purge the physical presence of meth from the body and help users acclimate to functioning in daily life without the drug.

Counseling will address the psychological damage done by substance abuse and educate recovering users on how to resist temptation and maintain long-term sobriety.

If an individual is suffering from a chronic, serious addiction to meth, that person may require admission into an inpatient treatment program. Meth is one of the most problematic drugs to overcome. Anyone who engages in meth abuse must find professional treatment; people who attempt to quit drug use alone can rarely make a lasting recovery.

The idea of overcoming an addiction to meth can seem unmanageable but know that there is hope, and a complete recovery is possible. With the proper treatment, individuals can leave drug abuse behind and achieve healthy, balanced lives, free of having a meth mouth! If you know someone suffering from an addiction to meth, there is support available.

If you or someone you love are struggling with meth addiction, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).