Severe Dental Disease in Substance Use Disorders

"Severe dental disease is common among people addicted to methamphetamine and cocaine, as is tooth loss, complicating treatment and recovery. Oral health is often entirely overlooked by individuals addicted to drugs. Yet many illicit drugs directly alter the balance of hormones and neurotransmitters regulating salivary flow, leading to dry mouth, cavities, and oral infections. Most people admitted to treatment programs for substance use disorders (SUDs) haven't seen a dentist for years-and still won't see one."

""Meth mouth" refers to very severe tooth decay and loss, as well as gum disease. The acidic nature of methamphetamine is conducive to rapid decay. Smoking methamphetamine directly damages oral tissues, leading to inflammation and infections, weakening teeth. Visibly compromised teeth exacerbate individuals' personal shame, isolation, and mental health issues, making recovery more difficult. Smoking cocaine or crack does the same thing, causing chronic vasoconstriction, reducing gingival/periodontal blood flow, impairing healing, and weakening the structural support of teeth."

Severe dental disease, tooth loss, and untreated decay are common among people who use methamphetamine and cocaine. Many illicit drugs change hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate salivary flow, producing dry mouth and higher risk of cavities and oral infections. Smoking methamphetamine adds acidity and direct tissue damage, while smoking cocaine causes chronic vasoconstriction that impairs blood flow and healing. Drug-driven poor nutrition and neglect of dental care accelerate decay. High prevalence of cavities and reduced remaining teeth complicate recovery by worsening shame, isolation, and overall health, and many affected individuals have not seen a dentist for years.

Read at Psychology Today