How Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Affect the Teeth

It is widely known that illicit drugs and excessive alcohol consumption can seriously damage your general health. It is perhaps less well known that they can also play havoc with your teeth and gums.

Cannabis is often considered to be one of the less harmful drugs but it is addictive, and apart from the unpleasant effects on the mind that can occur, it is associated with poor gum health and cancers of the lining of the mouth. Smokers of any kind of tobacco tend to build up more plaque around their teeth because of the sticky nature of tobacco tars, and this leads to gum disease and tooth decay by harbouring large numbers of bacteria.

One of the worst problem drugs for oral health is methamphetamine, often referred to as speed, crank, ice, crystal meth, or blue. It is relatively cheap to make and can be in pill or powder form. The toxic and caustic ingredients used in making meth include anhydrous ammonia (farm fertilizer), lithium (from batteries), and lighter fluid amongst others, and make for a very aggressive and nasty mix. The acidic nature of meth, along with its effect of causing a dry mouth, is devastating on teeth. The drying of the mouth removes the protective effect of saliva on teeth, allowing bacteria to build up and cause tooth decay. Decay tends to start at the neck of the teeth just above the gum-line, and, as it spreads right around the tooth it weakens the tooth.

Another effect of meth on users is to cause anxiety and clenching or grinding of their teeth. This grinding coupled with the acidic environment causes erosion of the enamel together with abrasion, literally wearing the teeth away. The clenching and grinding put extra force on the teeth, and, since they are all ready weakened they often break off pieces or break off completely at their base. This decay is often made all the worse by sugar or sugary drinks consumed by drug users who have their appetites suppressed and therefore do not eat normal meals but crave sugar because their own blood sugar levels are reduced, and sugary drinks to assuage the thirst and dry mouth sensation.

Untreated rampant decay leads to infection in the jaw eventually, with abscess formation, pain and swelling.

Heroin and cocaine produce a dry mouth condition similar to that of methamphetamine, and also sugar cravings. These drug addicts are not known for their ability to maintain good oral hygiene, and can also suffer from ravaging tooth decay, the results of which can be difficult to treat in any restorative way.

Cocaine users sometimes test the strength of their drug by placing a small amount on their gums. If the gum gets numb they know the cocaine is OK. This practice tends to cause burning and ultimately recession of the gums making a user look rather “long in the tooth”.

The effects of alcohol may not be quite as dramatic as that of illicit drugs but they are still damaging in a similar way. Alcoholic drinks are often acidic and people who abuse alcohol risk their teeth being eroded and abraded to the point where they cause considerable problems.

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