“Drug teeth” is a potential consequence of long-term substance use. Learn more about common drug-related dental problems and find out if they’re treatable.
Substance use disorders cause a wide range of problems, from abnormal heart rhythms to difficulty maintaining employment. Some people also develop “drug teeth,” or dental issues related to their substance use. Serious dental issues can alter the appearance of your smile, cause significant pain or make it difficult to eat, so it’s important to address them right away. If you develop any of these dental problems, see your dentist as soon as possible.
Common Dental Problems Caused by Substance Abuse
Several types of drugs cause damage to a drug addict’s teeth and gums, increasing the risk for dental issues. These are some of the most common dental problems associated with substance abuse.
Dry Mouth
Cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine and heroin all cause severe dry mouth, which is when you don’t have enough saliva. A lack of saliva makes your mouth more acidic, creating the perfect environment for bacterial growth. Over time, the presence of acid-producing bacteria can accelerate enamel loss or cause cavities to form in your teeth.
If dry mouth is severe enough, it can also make it difficult to chew or swallow, as you need saliva to break down food and help it move into the esophagus. Additional complications of dry mouth include bad breath, mouth sores, trouble speaking and recurrent oral infections.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, occurs due to inflammation and infection of the gums. In its early stages, gum disease is known as gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, you may notice your gums are red and puffy. It’s also common for inflamed gums to bleed a little when you brush your teeth.
Without treatment, gingivitis can get worse, causing a serious dental disease known as periodontitis. At first, the gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets for bacteria and plaque. In the next stage, bacteria attack the ligaments that hold your teeth in place. Finally, your teeth start to loosen.
Cocaine has been linked to gum disease, as it wears away the protective coating of your teeth. Many people who use heroin develop gum disease due to poor nutrition. Deficiencies in vitamin D and other nutrients have all been linked to gingivitis. Heroin also affects motor function, which may make it difficult to brush and floss. As a result, some people who use the drug develop “heroin teeth.”
Teeth Grinding
Some people who use cocaine develop a complication known as “cocaine jaw,” which causes teeth grinding and clenching. The medical term for this condition is bruxism. Methamphetamine and ecstasy have also been associated with teeth grinding.
Grinding your teeth may seem harmless, but it can cause tooth erosion, cracked teeth or even tooth loss. You may also have headaches, jaw pain, difficulty chewing, difficulty opening your mouth or earaches related to teeth grinding.
Tooth Decay
For many people, substance use makes it difficult to perform basic activities of daily living, including brushing and flossing. Dry mouth also creates a favorable environment for harmful bacteria. As a result, tooth decay is one of the most common causes of drug teeth.
If you don’t brush and floss regularly, the bacteria in your mouth may attack the surface of your tooth, causing it to wear away over time. Eventually, tooth decay causes cavities to form.
Treatments for Repairable Dental Damage
Some causes of drug teeth are treatable, but only if you see a dental professional as soon as you notice symptoms. Addressing early symptoms can also help prevent minor dental issues from progressing.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth increases the risk of other dental problems, so it’s important to address it right away. Your dentist may recommend these steps:
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.
- Drink more water.
- Consume caffeine in moderation.
- Stop smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Use a mouthwash made specifically for people with dry mouth.
- Use over-the-counter saliva substitutes.
Gum Disease
If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend a procedure known as scaling and root planing to eliminate harmful bacteria and prevent gingivitis from progressing to periodontitis. Scaling and root planing cleans under the gum line, eliminating plaque.
Individuals with advanced gum disease may need pocket reduction surgery to remove tartar and plaque from under the gums. During the procedure, a periodontist (gum disease specialist) makes a flap in the gums and pulls them back. Then, they do a deep cleaning and smooth out the surfaces of your tooth roots.
Teeth Grinding
To avoid the complications associated with teeth grinding, your dentist may suggest that you wear a custom mouth guard. A mouth guard keeps your jaw in the correct position, reducing the strain on your jaw muscles. It may also be helpful to reduce your consumption of caffeine and alcohol.
Tooth Decay
In some cases, it’s possible to treat tooth decay with fillings. If you get a filling, your dentist will remove the decaying material from your tooth and fill the hole with a synthetic material. During a root canal, a dentist removes the infected pulp inside a tooth. After removing the pulp, your dentist will fill and seal the area.
Understanding Irreversible Dental Issues
Not all cases of drug teeth are treatable. For example, if you lose a tooth due to advanced decay, there’s no way to make the tooth grow back. You can get a dental implant or wear a partial denture, but you can’t reverse tooth loss. Advanced gum disease may also be irreversible, especially if you don’t visit the dentist regularly.
Irreversible dental issues can affect your self-esteem, so it’s important to address substance-related dental problems as quickly as possible.
Steps for Long-Term Oral Health Recovery
To keep your mouth at its healthiest, stop using substances as soon as you can. Trying to withdraw from cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin or other substances without professional supervision increases the risk of complications, so seek professional help before you stop using.
In the meantime, brush your teeth at least twice per day, and floss regularly to remove the food particles that get stuck between your teeth. When you visit the dentist, be honest about your substance use. You may need more frequent exams to spot the signs of dental issues before they turn into irreversible problems.
Address Your Substance Use Today
If your substance use has damaged your teeth and made it difficult to care for yourself, there’s no need to keep struggling. Contact Sunlight Recovery today to speak with one of our experienced counselors. We’re ready to help you recover from substance use and start smiling again.
