Meth is the common term for methamphetamine, an active stimulant that is addictive to users which have other names such as ice, crank, chalk, or speed. It’ll be difficult to quit drugs without medical detox in HOZ rehab. Your family and friends are the ones who need the treatment program most because a close one didn’t listen to advice.
Drug detrimental effects on your brain and body are well known, one of the most surprising and visible results of drug use is the damage that it does to teeth and gums. Known as “meth mouth,” this ailment is a typical indicator of addiction and an alarming signal of the adverse effects that this substance has on the body. We are going to discuss the damage that ice does to teeth.
What Is Meth Mouth?
“Meth mouth” is a term used to describe the extensive tooth decay and gum disease often seen in individuals who use it.
The condition is characterized by blackened, rotting teeth, severe tooth decay, and often teeth that are broken or falling out. The teeth of meth addicts are frequently so damaged that they become unsalvageable, leading to extensive dental procedures or complete tooth loss.
Process Of Meth Mouth
Teeth will first turn dark yellow without proper teeth hygiene. The discoloration caused by addiction will get worse over time, and ultimately, the teeth’s protective enamel may start to crumble or peel off. After the protective enamel is gone, teeth become susceptible to acidic chemical residue from Crank smoking.
In the end, most of the harm is caused by these acidic remnants. Teeth discolored yellow in the past will soon turn brown or black. The harmful effects of drugs impair salivary function in the mouth, decreasing its ability to provide the necessary moisture to clean teeth and prevent decay.
Symptoms
Meth Teeth symptoms can be caused by several kinds of factors. As a result, the symptoms may not always be evident to others. However, with time, the symptoms develop, often resulting in mouth decay. It’s necessary to identify the early warning signs and symptoms, which include the following, to stop this from happening:
- Prolonged odor in the mouth
- Insufficient dental care
- Cavities
- Swelling
- Red gums
- Clenching of teeth
- Strong desires for sugar-filled beverages
- The teeth are stained black.
- Fractures in teeth
- Toothache
- Yellowish layer on teeth
The Science Behind Crank Mouth
What does meth do to your teeth? And how did it all happen? As you already Know why it is so hazardous to oral health, now you need a closer look at how the substance impacts the body. It has severe effects on teeth that are caused mainly by the following factors:
1- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
One of the most apparent side effects of chalk usage is extreme dry mouth, often known as xerostomia. The drug significantly reduces saliva production, causing the salivary glands to dry up. Saliva is essential for preserving dental health because it removes food particles, neutralizes acids created by oral bacteria, and distributes nutrients that prevent illness throughout the mouth.
Reduced salivation causes an accumulation of acids in the mouth, speeding up the deterioration of dental enamel. Additionally, this acidic environment encourages the growth of dangerous bacteria, hastening the process of degradation. In the absence of saliva’s shielding properties, the teeth are exposed to serious and quick damage.
2- Cravings for Sugary Beverages
The use of drugs leads to strong appetites for sugary meals and beverages. Users may overindulge in soda, candies, and other sugar-filled foods because of these intense desires. Too much sugar consumed, along with little saliva that neutralizes the acids, makes tooth decay a perfect storm.
In particular, sugar-filled beverages cause tooth enamel to decay. The enamel deteriorates quickly because the acid in the sugar weakens it, and saliva cannot remove it. This eventually results in cavities, dental deterioration, and tooth loss.
3- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Potent stimulants like drugs can cause prolonged periods of clenching and grinding of the teeth, a condition called bruxism. When under the impact of the drug or during periods of high intensity, meth users frequently experience elevated energy levels and anxiety, which can show up as unconscious teeth grinding.
4- Neglect of Oral Hygiene
The lifestyle linked with addiction often occurs due to neglect of personal hygiene, especially dental hygiene. Crank addicts could skip days or even weeks of tooth cleaning and flossing. The decay process is sped up when dental care is neglected, as plaque and bacteria accumulate.
This avoidance results in the advancement of minor dental problems into more severe gum disease and decay that might be readily addressed in their early stages.
Can Tooth Damage Be Reversed?
You already know how and why does meth ruin teeth. But you’re not sure whether this damage is temporary or permanent. Once your limb is gone, it’ll never grow again. So, the same as this, once your teeth decay, it’ll be permanent.
Although it can’t be reversed, therapeutic techniques can be used. If damaged teeth cannot be restored by filling cavities, crowns or implants may be necessary. Dentures may be required in extreme circumstances.
Treating and Preventing Meth Mouth
Treating the mouth often involves complete dental care, including:
- Extraction of teeth
- Fillings
- Dental/gums treatments
- Complete oral rehabilitation
- Stop taking drugs such as ice or heroin
Meth Addiction Recovery Is Possible with The Right Step
Giving up on taking drugs saves your pretty smile and also provides a happy and healthy life.
Breaking the cycle of drug addiction is the only way to maintain the good state of your teeth. However, starting the healing process might be challenging. We know the detrimental effects that meth has had on your life.
Speak with the professionals to know how to avoid meth mouth or if you have any further questions concerning addiction then ask. For more detail on addiction treatment programs, give a call at (844) 717-7069 if you or someone you know is struggling with methamphetamine usage.
