

The study classified more than half of the participants as moderate or heavy meth users after admitting to meth use on at least four of the previous 30 days. Patients over the age of 30 displayed more severe cases of dental disease. Other contributing factors to the oral health of the methamphetamine users included age and frequency of use. Current cigarette smokers had higher rates of decay and tooth loss.85% of female users within the group were suffering from periodontitis.89% of male users within the group were suffering from periodontitis.23% retained all of their natural teeth.The study examined 571 methamphetamine users, of which: Research on Meth MouthĪccording to a study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and published in the American Dental Association Journal, meth users are far more likely to develop dental and periodontal disease.

Should you experience these symptoms or have a family member you're concerned about, contact your dentist for an evaluation immediately. The lack of saliva makes it hard to swallow, more challenging to speak, and heightens the chances of developing tooth decay since saliva washes bacteria away from the teeth. Meth can also reduce salivary flow, leading many users to experience severe dry mouth. Additionally, it can lead to a feeling of stiff facial muscles and temporomandibular joint disorder.

Grinding can cause teeth to break or loosen and worsens periodontal disease. Meth stimulates your brain, causing you to grind your teeth. The poor oral hygiene, low-quality diet, and increased sugar intake associated with meth users may contribute to the decay. Meth users are more likely to experience severe tooth decay and tooth loss than non-users.
