About Crystal Meth

The use and production of methamphetamine, a strong stimulant drug, is becoming a huge problem in America. Common street names for this illegal and highly addictive drug are ice, meth, speed, crank, quartz, and crystal. It has also been called the “poor man’s cocaine”. The use of methamphetamines can cause serious health problems, as well as serious problems to your mouth and teeth.

 

Methamphetamine is an addictive drug that affects the nervous system. It causes high levels of the neurotransmitters, norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin, to accumulate in the brain, which stimulates brain cells and produces euphoria. Users may become addicted quickly and use the drug with increasing frequency and in ever-larger doses.

Persons using crystal meth, “tweaking” for days at a time, often stay awake and high for five to thirty days.  During this period, the acrid smoke, decreased saliva flow, poor hygiene, lack of dental care, and extended periods without sleep takes a toll on their teeth.

 

Rampant Tooth Decay

Methamphetamine use causes rampant tooth decay.  Often users describe their teeth as blackened, stained, rotting, crumbling or falling apart. This condition has become known, euphemistically, as Meth Mouth.  Often, there is no hope of treating the methamphetamine-damaged teeth, and they are extracted. Teeth look as though they have been dipped in battery acid and, in a way, they have.  The coronal (top) portion of the teeth will decay to the gum line, abscess, and become non-restorable as no tooth structure remains above the bone line.  Often, the gums will grow over the remaining stumps of roots and extractions become extremely difficult, as teeth have been reduced to extremely soft mush.

In the early stages of Meth Mouth, gum line cavities appear.  Teeth begin to decalcify due to the highly acidic, moist, environment, which is a perfect breeding ground for the bacteria causing dental decay.  Gum line decay weakens tooth structure.  Cleaving is often seen, with large vertical fractures of the enamel. Once decay has begun, it will continue to develop if the individual does not receive dental care, often leading to complete destruction of the tooth involved or, in many cases, all of the teeth.

The causes of methamphetamine-related tooth decay usually include the following:

–   The drug’s acidic nature, which eats away the teeth.

–   Its ability to dry the mouth, reducing the amount of protective saliva around the teeth.

–   A drug-induced craving for high-calorie carbonated beverages.

–   The tendency of users to grind and clench their teeth, wearing down the teeth to small          nubs.

–       Poor nutrition from the appetite suppressant effect.

 

Blood Vessel Constriction

Meth causes blood vessels to constrict or tighten, including blood vessels in the mouth.  This in turn causes a lack of the blood that normally nourishes the gums and teeth properly.  With repeated shrinking, the vessels will not recover, thus causing the dental tissue to starve and break down.  The end result is tooth decay, gum disease and bone loss.

Another result of the constriction of blood vessels is the gaunt look and quick aging of the patients.  Tissues of the face quickly die and sag from the lack of nutrients and blood supply.  This aging effect causes intense itching from the constricting capillaries near the surface of the skin.  Compulsive scratching often leads to infection and sores.

 

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth called xerostomia is caused by the blood vessel constriction and the reduction of salivary gland function.  The tongue and lining of the mouth can become raw and irritated without the lubricating action of saliva.  This can lead to secondary infections, limited ability to speak and eat.  Without saliva, acids accumulate, lowering the pH of the mouth and causing the breakdown of the surface of the teeth.  Meth also has a direct acidic effect on the teeth causing the dissolving of the protective surface enamel.

Many Meth users try to reduce the xerostomia by consuming sugary sodas.  The soda, coupled with decreased home care, poor nutrition, vomiting side effects of the drug and decreased immune response, creates the perfect environment for decay to occur.

 

Dentists, parents and others should be concerned if they notice patients, family members or friends—especially teenagers and young adults—who have unaccounted-for and accelerated tooth decay. Dental treatment only slows down the problem in meth users. Without ending drug use and a change in life style destruction is inevitable. Recovery is usually only accomplished with social and psychological intervention, due to the addictive nature of the drug. This problem can only be solved when the addict truly wants help.

 

Crystal Meth: Amtrak passenger talks about cooking crystal meth.

I was taking the Lincoln Service Amtrak train from Chicago to St Louis when a passenger behind me started talking quite loudly on his cell phone about cooking and selling meth. He said he recently got out of a halfway house and apparently lived in Granite City IL. I guess he wasn’t concerned about the other passengers overhearing his conversation. I should have paid extra to sit in business class. Cars, travel, and the auto business: www.jesda.com
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