Once a person is hooked, it can be very difficult to stop taking it. Therefore, multiple elements of their health will become affected. People take methamphetamine by either smoking it, swallowing it in pill format, injecting it, or snorting it. Its intended medical use is for severe cases of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Luxe Recovery is dedicated to supporting you through this journey, offering the medical and emotional support needed to overcome addiction and foster overall health. Meth drastically suppresses appetite, which leads to poor eating habits and severe malnourishment.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Meth users in recovery sometimes must have all their teeth pulled and replaced with dentures. Frequent or prolonged use of methamphetamine can lead to something termed “meth mouth”. This is a extremely poor state of oral health that is caused by the effects of methamphetamine. Quitting methamphetamine completely is the best way to prevent meth mouth. Given that meth is addictive, Luxe Recovery offers extensive addiction treatment programs, including treatment options to stop using, in recognition that quitting might be difficult.
We’re not concerned with labels or judgments about what your current dental health looks like. We know all our clients are unique, worthy individuals who deserve the opportunity to start living a healthier life and building a future they look forward to. Meth addiction can be a tough journey to face alone, meth mouth: what it looks like and how to treat it but it doesn’t have to be. There are ample resources available to help find treatment and recovery centers for those struggling with an addiction. If you or someone you know is suffering from meth addiction, don’t be afraid to seek help; contact the Recovery Village today. Meth mouth is irreversible, so treatment centers around repairing the damage that has been done.
Lifestyle Changes
People who inject meth can experience skin scabs and sores from excessive needle use. This results in more sores and causes existing sores to become severely infected. Since meth can dissolve in water, it can escape through the pores. People using meth tend to care less about hygiene, so sweat stays on the skin longer, causing irritation. Meth is highly addictive; some people become instantaneously hooked after the first use. Regardless of form, it is a powerful stimulant that is very energizing and increases your alertness for a short period.
And we won’t stop there; you’ll get familiar with its harrowing symptoms and consequences if left unchecked. Imagine A once-beaming smile, now masked by decaying or missing teeth and inflamed gums. However, many meth users may not realize the pain, as methamphetamine can block or lessen the sense of dental pain. Meth Mouth is more than just dental decay—it’s a stark visual representation of the broader damage caused by meth use. It symbolizes the physical, mental, and emotional toll of addiction.
Mental Health Impact of Methamphetamine
That’s why we’re in-network with numerous private insurance companies, ensuring that your journey to recovery is supported from the start. Let us help you quickly and easily verify your insurance coverage. You aren’t alone in this journey, and Detox to Rehab is here to help.
Alcohol Rehab
In most cases, sores are linked with ongoing meth use rather than a one-time occurrence. They usually become infected, which can lead to extensive redness and swelling around each one. It’s common for meth sores to resemble face acne, but it can occur anywhere across the body, including the arms, hands, legs, neck, and torso.
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- Imagine going out for dinner but feeling embarrassed whenever you smile or speak because of visibly damaged teeth.
- Areas with high meth abuse began to struggle with an increased number of mental health cases.
- It can be dangerous for active methamphetamine users to undergo dental surgery because of the cardiac problems that can result from the interaction of local anesthetic with the drug.
How is methamphetamine different from other stimulants like cocaine?
Teeth Talk Girl does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’ve seen meth mouth images on the internet, it’s usually because a dentist is taking before and after photos when they’re about to begin someone’s full mouth rehabilitation. At this stage, dental implants or dentures may be the only option, but treatment must begin with quitting meth first. Without addressing meth addiction, any dental work will be temporary, as continued use will undo any repairs. At this stage, stopping meth use and improving dental hygiene can prevent further damage.
- Users who smoke or snort meth often develop sores or lesions in the mouth.
- Chronic use can lead to more persistent psychological issues, such as severe depression and anxiety, which are exacerbated by the drug’s neurotoxic effects on the brain.
- Drug additives can include hydrochloric acid, antifreeze, battery acid, lantern fuel, drain cleaner, lye, and over-the-counter cold medications containing ephedrine.
- One of the first signs is dry mouth—meth dries out the salivary glands, which means the mouth lacks enough saliva to wash away harmful bacteria and acids 2.
In addition to the addiction itself, our all-encompassing approach to treating meth mouth addresses any possible harm meth users may cause to their oral hygiene. Detox, inpatient care, outpatient treatment, and aftercare are crucial components of treating meth addiction. From medical supervision during detox to round-the-clock support in inpatient care, these steps provide comprehensive support for individuals seeking recovery.
Reduced Salivary Flow (Xerostomia)
Yes, meth mouth not only impacts oral health but also has broader implications on overall well-being. The toxins in methamphetamine can weaken the immune system, leading to various health issues. Addressing meth mouth promptly is vital in preventing further complications and improving overall health. Outpatient treatment provides flexibility for individuals seeking help for meth mouth and addiction. Patients can attend therapy sessions and medical appointments while living at home and continuing with other commitments, such as work or school.
Your dentist can tell a lot about your lifestyle habits by looking at an individual’s mouth. But if you have “meth mouth,” that shouldn’t keep you from seeking out professional dental help. Your dental team truly cares about your wellness and quality of life, and they’ll do whatever you need to get your smile’s health back on track.