What Is Meth Mouth & Is It Possible to Fix Your Teeth?

Many people associate the use of methamphetamine, or meth, with severe health issues like stroke, heart problems, anxiety and sleep deprivation. Besides these common psychological and physical health effects, this highly addictive recreational drug can also cause irreversible dental complications, including meth mouth.

What is Meth Mouth?

The term meth mouth refers to the overall appearance of the teeth and gums of a methamphetamine user. Signs include:

• Bad breath

• Gum infection and swelling from uncontrolled bacterial growth in the addict’s mouth

• Cavities

• Stained, blackened teeth

• Cracked teeth

• Missing teeth

Meth addicts with this condition often experience severe dental issues, some of which are difficult to treat and others that are untreatable.

Time-lapse photos of meth addicts can be dramatic in that they show the carnage the drug wreaks on a user’s smile and mouth.

Damage can be so extensive that the meth user experiences difficulty chewing or speaking. With the stained, cracked and falling-out teeth, the user also loses their natural, beautiful smile.

Why & How Does Meth Damage the Teeth?

Methamphetamine use can cause severe oral health problems, including meth mouth, in the following ways:

• Acidic drug ingredients: Meth can be used with a number of dangerous, toxic, and highly acidic ingredients, including battery acid, fertilizers, and household cleaners. These toxins enter the body through meth use and can impact teeth.

• Dry mouth: Meth can trigger xerostomia, causing an acute saliva deficiency in the mouth and creating ideal conditions for bacterial infection. Such infestation may impact the user’s teeth and gum health.

• Passing out after use: Users may “crash” after a meth binge. Not only are they likely to pass out with a film of bacteria on their teeth if they haven’t brushed, but they are also more likely to breathe through their mouth and again trigger dry mouth.

• Grinding teeth: Meth users often get into the habit of teeth clenching and grinding. This can result in severe wear on the teeth (enamel damage) and even jaw damage.

• Drinking carbonated, sugary drinks: Meth users may crave highly sweetened drinks during their high.

Oral Hygiene & Meth Mouth

Research has shown that poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of severe meth mouth.  Users often become so caught up in their addiction cycle that they lose touch with reality and are unable to keep up with day-to-day life and self-care, including dental hygiene. 

Skipping brushing and flossing for prolonged times, especially when combined with bad habits like drinking sugary drinks and eating an unhealthy diet, can extensively damage oral health.

Are Drugs the Only Cause of Meth Mouth?

Recreational drugs aren’t the only cause of meth mouth triggers and effects. For example, multiple other factors can inhibit saliva production, causing dry mouth.

They include:

• Prescription medication like pain relievers, antidepressants, and high blood pressure drugs

• Aging

• Cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation

• Health conditions like oral thrush, diabetes, and stroke

Tooth decay and gum disease have other causes too, including:

• Not brushing and flossing teeth daily

• Consuming sugary foods and beverages like sweets and carbonated drinks

How To Treat Meth Mouth

If you’re recovering from an addiction to meth, you may be eager to return to a normal, healthy life. A big part of this may be fixing any signs of “meth mouth” and regaining a great smile that will give you confidence as you move forward with your life.

Treatment Options for Meth Addiction

Treating meth mouth can help your daily oral hygiene and prevent any dental problems from getting worse. But to truly address the issue, you must treat the root of the problem: meth addiction. 

If you’re struggling with meth addiction, there are treatment options available to help you regain control of your life and health.

Resources for Meth Addiction

• SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Confidential Hotline (available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year): 1-800-662-HELP

• SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): Get Help

• National Institute on Drug Abuse: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction DrugFacts

• Montana Meth Project

Resources for Cost Assistance for Dental Work When Sober

• Some areas have dental resources available to recovering addicts, including community clinics, community advocacy groups, and nonprofit initiatives.

• Most dental insurance policies will cover some or all of the costs of treatment for the dental problems associated with meth mouth.

• The United Way may have a local office that could help with information on dental resources. Find a location near you.