How Substance Abuse Affects Oral Health

Oral health problems are a great concern, but they are an even greater one for individuals with substance abuse problems. Some substances are known to affect teeth and gums, with tooth decay, cracked teeth, gingivitis, and gum disease often going untreated by individuals suffering from addiction.

Those with substance abuse problems may consider oral health the least of their concerns. Addiction may cause them to forget about oral hygiene and neglect their teeth and gums. If their teeth are causing them pain, they may even overcompensate and begin to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol to temporarily fix the issue, but this only worsens it.

Individuals who drink or abuse drugs tend to use higher amounts in the evenings. If someone is intoxicated and vomiting during these times, they may pass out afterward and allow corrosive chemicals to linger and worsen enamel.

Alcohol

Alcohol is known to increase tooth decay due to the high amounts of sugar, and frequent use will eventually weaken tooth enamel. Alcoholics may suffer from serious tooth and gum problems more than others. Binge drinkers may not consume alcohol daily, but they do consume large amounts in a short period. As a result, this type of drinking can cause more decay and damage to enamel due to the high level of acid build-up in the mouth.

Stimulants

Stimulants like ecstasy, amphetamine, or cocaine are known to cause clenching and teeth grinding when users are under the influence. This can become a serious habit that will lead to cracked, worn down teeth. Tension from grinding can lead to headaches, neckaches, and earaches.

Teeth can also become loose from these side effects and require special orthodontic treatment. Stimulant users may experience dry mouth and compensate with drinking alcohol or sweetened drinks. The combination of dry mouth and high-sugar beverages can further increase damage to teeth and gums, requiring intensive work from a dentist or oral hygienist.

Meth

Those who use methamphetamine can suffer from a condition called meth mouth, which describes discolored teeth that are often rotten and broken. Methamphetamine users often experience extreme tooth decay because of the drug. The substance causes saliva glands to stop producing, causing excessive dry mouth, which leaves acids from food and drinks to manifest and eat away at enamel.

Meth is also produced from a range of toxic chemicals that are even more corrosive when heated and smoked in any form. However, when the drug is just ingested, it coats the teeth and affects oral health.

Heroin

Heroin is known to cause similar problems as meth. Long term users experience damaged teeth and gums or tooth loss. Seventy percent of users have claimed to experience teeth snapping off, falling apart, and other forms of trauma. These problems are often a combined result of poor dental hygiene, less access to health care, and substance abuse.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or find treatment online.

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