METH MOUTH - EFFECTS OF CRYSTAL METH ON TEETH
Methamphetamines or "meth" is one of the most powerful and addictive illegal drugs. According to a former addict during his trial, meth makes you feel no pain and you can go for days without sleep. He explains how he went for a week without sleeping, just staying high as a kite. During his tale of meth addiction, he looked over at his former friend (now defendant) then removed his dentures and said he lives with the reminder of his drug addiction every day.
Depending on the amount of the drug used and frequency, a typical healthy person with pearly whites can end up with a mouth of rotting teeth within a year. Use of meth causes the teeth to blacken, rot, chip and fall apart which ultimately lead to the teeth having to be extracted. A variety of factors contribute to the tooth decay including the dry-mouth caused by meth use, cravings for sugary foods and beverages, tooth grinding, and poor hygiene. While meth does cause cravings of sugary foods, it also acts as an appetite suppressant and users can go days without wanting to eat meals. A meth user's ultimate goal is to get the next high, not brush their teeth or care for their overall health.
The dry-mouth leads to meth users drinking more and because of their sugar craving, they opt for sodas. Meth is also a stimulant that increases motor activities causing the user to grind their teeth or clench their jaws tightly. Some experts contradict the common belief that meth mouth is caused by acids or corrosives that comprise the actual drug. However, common ingredients in meth include muratic and sulfuric acids which may cause burning of the inside of the mouth when meth is smoked.
Meth addicts are often referred to as "tweakers". Tweakers are known to act impulsively and unpredictable. They will have a need to fulfill their body with the meth and sometimes resort to violence to get that next rush. Their movements are often jerky and their eye reaction is quick and erratic. Unfortunately, users began their addiction thinking that it was only a one-time occurrence.
The abuse of methamphetamines has a lasting effect on the body, not just the mouth and teeth. Sometimes viewing graphic pictures of this condition isn't enough to stop an individual from getting a cheap high. And one young 23 year-old boy sits on Florida's death row living with the affects he caused himself and that of the family of an innocent man he killed.
Depending on the amount of the drug used and frequency, a typical healthy person with pearly whites can end up with a mouth of rotting teeth within a year. Use of meth causes the teeth to blacken, rot, chip and fall apart which ultimately lead to the teeth having to be extracted. A variety of factors contribute to the tooth decay including the dry-mouth caused by meth use, cravings for sugary foods and beverages, tooth grinding, and poor hygiene. While meth does cause cravings of sugary foods, it also acts as an appetite suppressant and users can go days without wanting to eat meals. A meth user's ultimate goal is to get the next high, not brush their teeth or care for their overall health.
The dry-mouth leads to meth users drinking more and because of their sugar craving, they opt for sodas. Meth is also a stimulant that increases motor activities causing the user to grind their teeth or clench their jaws tightly. Some experts contradict the common belief that meth mouth is caused by acids or corrosives that comprise the actual drug. However, common ingredients in meth include muratic and sulfuric acids which may cause burning of the inside of the mouth when meth is smoked.
Meth addicts are often referred to as "tweakers". Tweakers are known to act impulsively and unpredictable. They will have a need to fulfill their body with the meth and sometimes resort to violence to get that next rush. Their movements are often jerky and their eye reaction is quick and erratic. Unfortunately, users began their addiction thinking that it was only a one-time occurrence.
The abuse of methamphetamines has a lasting effect on the body, not just the mouth and teeth. Sometimes viewing graphic pictures of this condition isn't enough to stop an individual from getting a cheap high. And one young 23 year-old boy sits on Florida's death row living with the affects he caused himself and that of the family of an innocent man he killed.
