Addiction Drug Use Meth The Effects of Methamphetamines on Dental Health By Tammy Davenport Tammy Davenport is a dental assistant with experience on the clinical and administrative side. Learn about our editorial process Tammy Davenport Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 08, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on March 22, 2020 Print Daniel Kaesler / EyeEm / Getty Images Methamphetamine, also known simply as "meth," is a strong stimulant street drug that's highly addictive. The use of methamphetamines can cause serious health issues, including severe and highly visible problems with the mouth and teeth. In fact, the association between methamphetamine use and dental disease has become so popularized in media that it's been given its own epithet: "meth mouth." What Is Meth Mouth? “Meth mouth” is a term used to describe the visible effects of oral disease in a person who uses methamphetamine because of the rampant tooth decay that often occurs with the drug's use. People who use methamphetamine may have blackened, stained, broken, or rotting teeth both as a result of side effects of the drug itself and related lifestyle factors. While "meth mouth" is not a clinical diagnosis, according to the American Dental Association, there is a high rate of both dental decay and periodontal disease among people who use methamphetamine. Results of a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found, in a group of 571 methamphetamine users: 6% of older meth users had fewer than 10 teeth 23% still had all of their natural teeth 31% were missing 6 or more teeth 40% admitted that they were embarrassed about their dental appearance 96% had tooth decay How Meth Can Damage Your Mouth Methamphetamine use damages dental health in several ways: Bruxism: Methamphetamine use can lead to the development of bruxism, a condition in which people clench and/or grind their teeth. Drug additives: The acidic contents of this drug can also damage teeth. Additives can include battery acid, lantern fuel, antifreeze, hydrochloric acid, drain cleaner, lye, and over-the-counter cold medications containing ephedrine. Lack of dental hygiene: The meth high can last up to 12 hours, during which time users often do not practice good dental hygiene such as brushing or flossing, which leave the sugary substances on their teeth for long periods of time. Poor diet: Under the influence of meth and often during withdrawal, people often experience cravings for sugary foods and carbonated beverages, which are bad for teeth. Xerostomia: Stimulant use, including meth, can also lead to xerostomia, or dry mouth, reducing protective saliva around the teeth. Can Meth Mouth Be Reversed? A study of people who use meth in China found that more than 97% had decayed teeth, but the prevalence of decay was lower among those who used meth for fewer years and those who brushed their teeth at least twice per day. But even when practicing good dental hygiene, it's difficult to prevent the dental damage that often occurs with meth use. And while less serious cases of tooth decay can be treated, it can't be reversed. In fact, using methamphetamine can cause decay to the extent that the teeth cannot be saved and must be pulled instead. Unfortunately, there is not much that a dentist can do for a patient with "meth mouth" and successful "treatment" usually includes tooth extraction rather than a reversal of the oral disease. Ultimately, the best course of treatment for someone living with 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 ongoing therapy and social support to prevent a relapse. A Word From Verywell The physical appearance "meth mouth" is often shocking, and studies have shown that people who experience it are self-conscious about their appearance. Unfortunately, dental disease is but one of the health problems associated with methamphetamine use. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. You also can talk to a doctor, therapist, or attend a support group. Help is available, but it's important for you to take the first step and ask for it. Methamphetamine: Everything You’ve Been Afraid to Ask Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Institute on Drug Abuse. What is methamphetamine? Updated May 2019. American Dental Association. Meth Mouth: How Methamphetamine Use Affects Dental Health. Shetty V, Harrell L, Murphy DA, et al. Dental disease patterns in methamphetamine users: Findings in a large urban sample. J Am Dent Assoc. 2015;146(12):875-885. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2015.09.012 De-Carolis C, Boyd GA, Mancinelli L, Pagano S, Eramo S. Methamphetamine abuse and "meth mouth" in Europe. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2015;20(2):e205-10. doi:10.4317/medoral.20204 Ye T, Sun D, Dong G, et al. The effect of methamphetamine abuse on dental caries and periodontal diseases in an Eastern China city. BMC Oral Health. 2018;18(1):8. doi:10.1186/s12903-017-0463-5