"Meth mouth" is an informal name for advanced tooth decay attributed to heavy methamphetamine use.[1] According to the American Dental Association, meth mouth "is probably caused by a combination of drug-induced psychological and physiological changes resulting in xerostomia (dry mouth), extended periods of poor oral hygiene, increased consumption of sugared soft drinks, and teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)."[2][3]
"Meth mouth" characteristics include:
Some have contended that "meth mouth" is not due to methamphetamine being acidic or corrosive[4] but the Pennsylvania Dental Association maintains that "the acidic ingredients of methamphetamine can damage teeth.".[5] Meth mouth has been observed in people who abuse pharmaceutical grade methamphetamine as well. It is most likely due to common characteristics of heavy methamphetamine use.[6]
Despite the name "meth mouth", similarly accelerated tooth decay can be caused by the abuse of other stimulants with similar actions, such as amphetamines, cocaine and methylphenidate.
|
|||||