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Overview
In recent weeks, the PBS NewsHour  , The Washington Post , The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, CA) and other news services have reported on the prevalence of methamphetamine addiction and patients suffering from “meth mouth,” the destructive dental decay that is a common side effect of the addiction.
Methamphetamine (or “crystal meth”) is a highly addictive stimulant made with ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, ingredients found in common over-the-counter cold medications . Meth users swallow, inject, snort and smoke the drug, often with harmful oral effects.
The extensive tooth decay known as meth mouth has been attributed to the drug’s acidic nature, its dry-mouth effect and its propensity to cause cravings for high calorie carbonated beverages, tooth grinding and clenching, and extended periods of poor oral hygiene. The teeth of meth users can become blackened, stained, and decayed. Depending on the severity of the dental damage, extraction may be the only treatment option available.
Dentists should be aware of the symptoms of meth mouth, which include rampant tooth decay that cannot be attributed to other risk factors and severe tooth wear (from the grinding of teeth and clenching of jaws). Additionally, patients abusing methamphetamine may appear malnourished, irritable and non-compliant.
Through ADA.org, dentists can access additional information on methamphetamine use and oral health, including suggestions for treating suspected meth users and talking with patients about drug and alcohol use. Additional resources are available from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration , the National Institute on Drug Abuse , and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Web site , which includes a substance-abuse treatment facility locator, a physician locator, a guide for parents and a toll-free help line for local treatment centers (1-800-662-HELP).
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A–Z Topic: Methamphetamine Use (Meth Mouth)
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Science in the News is a service by the American Dental Association (ADA) to present current information about science topics in the news. The ADA is a professional association of dentists committed to the public's oral health, ethics, science and professional advancement; leading a unified profession through initiatives in advocacy, education, research and the development of standards. As a science-based organization, the ADA's evaluation of the scientific evidence may change as more information becomes available. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Document Posted January 2006
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