Meth Mouth Treatment

Meth mouth is a condition that is brought about by abuse of the drug methamphetamine. Crystal methamphetamine addiction is a type of abuse of the psychostimulant drug methamphetamine, which has effects such as increase in the alertness and energy levels. When overdosed on, it can also lead to euphoria, increased self-esteem and an increase in sexual pleasure. This drug is used for treating ADHD and exogenous obesity. However, it is commonly abused and leads to many long-term side effects, one of them being meth mouth. Read on to know about meth mouth symptoms and meth mouth treatment.

Meth Mouth Symptoms

There are various symptoms of meth mouth. These include extensive and progressive tooth decay, which starts from the gingival border of the tooth, and gnaws its way towards the pulp. These are typically known as meth teeth. Along with the tooth decay, there is often ulcerative gingivitis and dry mouth seen. The tooth decay may progress at such a fast rate, that it may lead to tooth abscesses.

Treatment for Meth Mouth

Kick the Habit
The first and most important step that is part of meth mouth treatment is to stop taking the drug. Unless and until the person stops taking the drugs, there is no hope for any kind of improvement in the condition of the person. This is because while the person is still on this drug, dental health is the last thing on his mind. Thus, any kind of treatment meted out while the person is still actively taking this drug will lead to failure of the treatment. Thus, the first step of treatment is complete cessation of drug intake.

Tooth Fillings
If the decay that is present is still in its initial stage, then it may be possible to restore the tooth by just filling it. Since most of the lesions are on the facial surface of the tooth, an aesthetic filling will need to be done. However, most cases that are reported to the dentist have such bad oral hygiene, that in most cases, the teeth require root canal treatment, along with treatment for tooth abscess.

Treating ANUG
ANUG is an acronym for acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. This is a periodontal disease that is seen in relation to meth teeth. Here, there is bone loss, along with ulceration on the surface of the gingiva. Thus, the treatment for ANUG will mostly consist of stopping any further damage to the gingiva or bone loss in teeth. Thus, for this, along with maintenance of proper oral hygiene, the person will need to get subgingival cleaning done to remove any anaerobic pathogens that may be present in the gingiva.

Treating Dry Mouth
Treating dry mouth is also important when dealing with meth mouth and meth teeth. This is because one of the effects of meth mouth is dryness of the mouth. This can be quite severe, and could further cause caries and tooth decay. Thus, in such cases, one needs to stop taking the drug, after which there will be some kind of improvement seen. However, as a part of dry mouth treatment, one can try out artificial saliva, or drugs that induce secretion of saliva.

General Preventive Measures
The patient needs to follow certain guidelines while undergoing meth mouth treatment. These include proper maintenance of oral hygiene, along with timely follow-up of appointments. Regularly brushing teeth, needless to say, is a must. Furthermore, the dentist may advise the use of certain mouthwashes or mouth rinses which will help the gingiva and other supporting structures to heal faster.

Although the task before the dentist and the patient is an uphill one, with a little bit of conviction and determination, there may just be some kind of cure and relief for cases of meth mouth.