How Illegal Drugs Can Affect Your Teeth and Gums.
It goes without saying that doing illegal drugs is never a good thing and they can and normally will have long lasting side effects that will forever change your life. However this is a dental site so we will be address the high risk that illegal drugs can do to your teeth and gums.
* Marijuana: Can cause dry mouth and increases the risk of gum problems. Like smoking marijuana can also increase the risk of oral cancer.
* Cocaine: Sometimes users of cocaine will rub the drug over their gums, causing ulceration of gums and the underlying bone. Cocaine mixed with saliva creates an extremely acidic solution which can erode the tooth enamel and expose underlying dentine to decay-causing bacteria. Cocaine and crack cocaine cause dry mouth, which further increases the risk of tooth decay. Cocaine can also cause tooth wear by teeth grinding.
* Ecstasy: Side effects of this drug include tooth grinding, jaw clenching and dry mouth.
* Heroin: People who uses heroin tend to crave sweet foods, which can increase the risk of tooth decay if dental hygiene is neglected. Heroin can also cause dry mouth and tooth grinding.
* Methamphetamine: This drug can cause severe tooth decay in a very short time. Dental professionals have coined the term ‘meth mouth’ to describe the extensive damage typically caused by this drug. Methamphetamine is highly acidic and attacks tooth enamel. Other side effects include dry mouth, bruxism and jaw clenching.
