Dental disaster

Science World, Feb 18, 2008 by Andrew Klein

The tooth decay seen here didn't happen from eating too much candy. "Meth mouth" is just one of the many harmful side effects caused by abusing an illegal drug called Methamphetamine (aka meth, speed, ice, and crystal). Methamphetamine can be taken orally, injected, snorted, or smoked. No matter what the method, teeth become blackened and rotten. That's terrible news for the estimated 1.4 million people over age 12 who use the drug in the United States.

"Up to 95 percent of meth addicts can have rapid deterioration of their teeth after only four to six months of abuse," says Dr. Guy Minoli, a dentist from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. "The condition is caused by compounds in the smoke and how the drug affects the body."

Acidic chemicals, like sulfuric acid, are found in meth smoke. Acids break down teeth's hard protective coating of enamel. "These compounds are the same ingredients in sports drinks and sodas that cause cavities," says Dr. Minoli. The smoke is only a small part of the cause of "meth mouth," according to the American Dental Association. Chemicals in meth lead to a narrowing of tiny blood vessels in the mouth that control the salivary glands. This causes these glands to stop making saliva. Saliva is 98 percent water, but also contains protective enzymes. One of these compounds, called lysozyme, helps to destroy bacteria. Mucous is another substance in saliva. It keeps the mouth lubricated, preventing sores that can become infected. But the reduced saliva levels associated with "dry mouth," promote bacterial growth.

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Meth also makes addicts feel jittery or hyper, causing people to grind their teeth. Abusers' already fragile teeth are often fractured due to constant pressure and friction between the upper and lower jaw.

"In most cases of 'meth mouth,' every tooth has cavities," says Dr. Minoli. "The damage is often so bad that the remaining teeth must be pulled and the people must wear dentures for their entire life."