Developing Meth Mouth From Meth Abuse
Although it’s understood that when you develop a substance abuse issue, especially to a substance like crystal meth, many people don’t understand the exact type of symptoms or health issues you may experience. The reality is that meth abuse can actually directly impact your overall dental health. When your oral health starts to suffer due to your meth addiction, it’s referred to as developing a condition called “meth mouth,” but why does meth damage a person’s teeth? Meth is a dangerous substance that can be incredibly harmful to your overall oral health due to the severe side effects it causes.
Why Is Meth So Addictive?
Along with why does meth damage a person’s teeth, one of the questions that many people have, regardless of whether they have suffered from a meth addiction or not, is why, exactly, meth is so addictive. The reason, in many ways, is simple. Meth is an example of a drug that triggers the brain to produce dopamine. This is the substance that can make you feel happy and relaxed. However, once this feeling of relaxation and happiness begins to wear off, your brain will start to crave more. Once you give in to this craving, your body will continue to want more and more meth just to be able to maintain the high that you’re hoping for. Meth addiction can set in very quickly and take over your life even faster.
How Meth Causes Tooth Decay
So why does meth damage a person’s teeth? There are several reasons why meth can cause serious dental health issues for anyone who becomes addicted to this substance. First and foremost, meth addiction can negatively impact your salivary glands. When your salivary glands aren’t up to par, your teeth are more susceptible to different acids that you may consume not only through a drug and alcohol but in general. In turn, the acid can lead to rotting teeth and gum issues. Here are some examples of why meth mouth is an example of a dental disease that you should always take seriously:
Meth triggers sugar cravings
Many people don’t realize that meth can actually trigger sugar cravings in addicts. Although a meth user’s appetite will decrease overall, they will often turn to something sugary to keep themselves going when they do eat. However, the increase in sugar can cause serious harm to teeth in the form of cavities. If cavities go unchecked, then it’s likely that the tooth on a whole will rot and potentially lead to gum disease.
Poor oral hygiene
Any dentist will tell you that to maintain a white and healthy smile, you must take the time to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. When your mind and body are consumed with addiction, it would be impossible for you to maintain a regular oral hygiene schedule. As your lack of oral hygiene continues, you will begin to notice its impact on your teeth.
Clenching or teeth grinding
Clenching or grinding your teeth is something that you may unknowingly do, regardless of whether you’re suffering from addiction or not. However, teeth grinding and clenching are much more common when you’re suffering from meth addiction. As a result, you could suffer from jaw issues or make your teeth more susceptible to damage.
Chemicals that are in meth
There is an assortment of chemicals in meth that can destroy your teeth. Not only can they destroy your teeth, but they can ruin the way that your body operates and functions.
Does Meth Mouth Cause Permanent Damage?
Without question, meth mouth could cause permanent damage to your mouth. Unfortunately, many people come out of their time in addiction, and it is only at that point that they actually recognize the extent of the damage they have caused. Sadly, this severe condition can lead to permanent tooth damage or loss that you need to work extensively with a dentist to repair. Keep in mind that when you have damage to your teeth, it’s possible that your self-confidence could be impacted because you may feel embarrassed by your smile and your appearance. However, when you work with a treatment team during meth rehab, they will help you set you up with the right people who can help you work on your dental and addiction issues.
Dental Care for Meth Mouth
If you’ve been diagnosed with meth mouth, then part of your addiction treatments may revolve around addressing this serious tooth and gum disease. If you partner with a trusted meth rehab center, you should be able to use some of your treatment team’s resources. It’s important to remember that there is always the possibility that because of the extent that meth mouth has impacted your dental health, you may lose all of your teeth. There is also a chance that if this tooth and gum disease is addressed sooner rather than later, you may be able to save some of your teeth. However, don’t overlook the fact that a methamphetamine addiction can not only harm your dental health but your health in general. Regardless of how far along your meth mouth is, you must reach out for help with your methamphetamine addiction before it takes your life.
Getting Help for Meth Addiction at Muse
Once you’re ready to overcome your meth addiction and learn why does meth damage a person’s teeth, there are several steps that you can take to overcome the dependence. First and foremost, you can reach out to Muse Treatment Center. Our team of addiction and crystal meth experts will help you develop a treatment program that will help you address your substance abuse once and for all. If you or a friend is struggling with symptoms of meth addiction, then you may need to begin you, or they may need to start their addiction recovery journey in drug detox. Drug detox will provide the foundation that you need to work through the meth withdrawal symptoms that you may experience during the first few hours and days of your recovery. In most cases, a top-of-the-line addiction center will offer both a detox as well as a treatment program on the same campus so that you can easily transition from one treatment for meth program into the other. Meth withdrawal symptoms are incredibly unpredictable, which can make them dangerous. Meth withdrawal symptoms can make it impossible for you to care for yourself, which is why you should always partner with a treatment facility that offers the option of detox to ensure that you’re never put in a potentially fatal position.
Once you complete detox at your recovery center, you will be in a much better place of mind to meaningfully commit to an addiction treatment program. Many people who recently went through meth detox feel more comfortable committing to an inpatient drug rehab program. During inpatient drug rehab, you will have the opportunity to live on the campus of the treatment facility that you choose. You will also have around-the-clock access to your treatment team, which is something that can act as a great source of comfort during these first few days and months of your recovery. Your treatment facility will provide you with a home away from home type of environment to truly focus on taking the steps you need to overcome your addiction.
Inpatient care isn’t always a viable option for some people struggling with an addiction to meth. For instance, if you’re working or going to school, you may not be in a position where you can stop seeing these critical responsibilities. If you fall into this type of situation, you would be a suitable candidate for an outpatient treatment program. Outpatient treatment plans are more flexible in the sense that you will be able to work closely with your recovery team so you can see to both your addiction treatment as well as school or work. If your schedule does change during your time in recovery, simply let your team know so that they can help you adjust your recovery plan.
The intake team at Muse Treatment Center is available right now to help you get started on your recovery journey. We understand that addiction can impact every person differently, so we focus on providing every client with the individualized level of care they need as they begin to work through their recovery journey. For more information about our addiction treatment programs, or if you need to reach out on behalf of a friend or a loved one, we encourage you to get in touch with us at (800) 426-1818. We will always take the time to answer and address any of your questions, including why does meth damage a person’s teeth, so you feel comfortable and confident in your decision to come to Muse Treatment Center for treatment.
