Why do Crystal Meth or Crack/Coacine Users Have Rotten/Missing teeth?

The side effect you are referring to is known as Meth mouth.





Meth mouth "is probably caused by a combination of drug-induced psychological and physiological changes resulting in xerostomia (dry mouth), extended periods of poor oral hygiene, frequent consumption of high calorie, carbonated beverages and tooth grinding and clenching."


A lack of saliva's natural protective effects directly leads to increased tooth decay, particularly at the gumline. Many users also smoke tobacco or consume highly sugared soft drinks, worsening the problem.

Why do Crystal Meth or Crack/Coacine Users Have Rotten/Missing teeth?
Because they let their teeth rot out because they are on drugs all the time and when a person is on drug they dont really care about things like their teeth
Reply:To show people who don't do that crap that they should avoid the meth and crack users.
Reply:They do drugs. They probably don't practice great hygiene. The drugs also depress the body's nervous system, so they don't feel their teeth hurt when they bite something and don't call the dentist about it. Their dentist money is going towards buying the drugs anyway. Depending on the severity of the drug use AND the drug, you can literally set yourself on fire and not feel it at all.





Some drugs also weaken the immune system, so your body won't attack the pathogen when it gets in your body. This makes it easier for the cavities to occur, and is also the reason there are often ulcers, sores, etc. on the mouth.
Reply:Because it ROTS your teeth.
Reply:Meth mouth is an informal name for advanced tooth decay attributed to heavy methamphetamine use. According to the American Dental Association, meth mouth "is probably caused by a combination of drug-induced psychological and physiological changes resulting in xerostomia (dry mouth), extended periods of poor oral hygiene, frequent consumption of high calorie, carbonated beverages and tooth grinding and clenching."[1]





Characteristics include:





xerostomia (dry mouth): Methamphetamine use may decrease the production of saliva. A lack of saliva's natural protective effects directly leads to increased tooth decay, particularly at the gumline. Many users also smoke tobacco or consume highly sugared soft drinks, worsening the problem.


cracked teeth: Methamphetamine induces clenching and grinding of the teeth, leading to wear or cracks.


neglect of oral hygiene: This is likely among the most important causes of poor oral health among methamphetamine users. After a prolonged binge, users may sleep for a day or more with their mouths open, exacerbating the problems of poor saliva supply.


Meth mouth is "difficult to distinguish" from a simple case of poor oral hygiene.[2] Dentists are advised to look for "unaccounted for and accelerated decay in teenagers and young adults" and "malnourished appearance in heavy users, because methamphetamine acts as an appetite suppressant."[1]





Contrary to a number of media reports, meth mouth's contributing causes do not include a "corrosive", "acidic", or "caustic" effect of the drug itself on tooth enamel or gum tissue. Jack Shafer of Slate magazine has written a series of articles disputing the role of "chemical" or "contaminant" factors in causing meth mouth.



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