Teeth and drug use

Some drugs can cause tooth damage, so it is important that you tell your dentist about any drugs you are taking. They can tell you if the drug is likely to affect your teeth and what you can do to help prevent dental issues. Saliva is important because it: consistently repairs tooth enamel (the hard surface layer that protects the tooth) that has been damaged by acids in a process known as remineralisation has a washing effect that clears food particles away from tooth surfaces.

Talk to your dentist about whether any drugs you are taking could be causing dry mouth. The regular use of drugs can cause significant tooth damage. Some substances may also carry high risk to our oral health, even if we may not consider them drugs: , especially when consumed in combination with smoking.

, gum disease and poor gum healing, including mouth cancer (especially when done in combination with regularly drinking alcohol). Cannabis smoke can increase the risk of mouth cancer. – also called coke or blow.

Users sometimes rub cocaine over their gums, causing ulceration of gums and the underlying bone.

When mixed with saliva, cocaine becomes extremely acidic and this erodes tooth enamel and exposes the underlying dentine to decay-causing bacteria. Cocaine and crack cocaine cause dry mouth, which further increases the risk of tooth decay.

Cocaine also increases which further wears the teeth

– also called the love drug, ‘E’, ’eckies’, ‘pingers’ or ‘caps’. Side effects of ecstasy include tooth grinding, jaw clenching and dry mouth. – also called smack, horse or hammer. People who use heroin tend to crave sweet foods, which can increase the risk of tooth decay if dental hygiene is neglected.

Heroin can also cause dry mouth and tooth grinding. – also called ice, crystal meth, glass, shards or puff.

This drug causes severe tooth decay in a very short time

The term ‘meth mouth’ is used to describe the extensive damage typically caused by this drug.

Methamphetamine is highly acidic and attacks tooth enamel

Other side effects include dry mouth, teeth grinding and jaw clenching. are acidic and can cause tooth erosion if consumed regularly and in large amounts. Energy drinks and drip or percolated coffee contain a lot of caffeine, so it’s best to limit or avoid these drinks.

Any drug dependence or drug use that causes a person to neglect their personal hygiene, diet and dental care can significantly increase the risk of dental (and many other) problems. Professional treatment depends on the type of drug and its effects on your teeth and gums. This may include:

• strengthens teeth
• reduces the risk of decay

The dentist may apply topical fluoride to the surface of your teeth. Fluoride mouthwashes or higher-strength fluoride toothpaste may be recommended for use at home. such as crowns. may be recommended. (such as veneers) that can improve the look of your mouth and smile if it is important to you.

Suggestions include: instead. Cut back on sweet or sticky foods such as biscuits or lollies. Chew sugar-free gum to encourage a steady flow of saliva.

Pay careful attention to your dental hygiene habits

Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day with standard fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. Be gentle when cleaning your teeth to avoid damaging the gums. Visit your dentist at least once or twice a year where possible.

Minimise your intake of alcohol

Ask your doctor and dentist for further self-care suggestions, and follow them carefully.

If you are scheduled for dental treatment, tell your dentist about your alcohol or smoking intake, as well as any drugs you are taking or have recently taken. Also tell your dentist about any medications you are taking or have recently taken, including prescription, over-the-counter and herbal medications.

Tel. Healthy teeth and gums Healthy teeth and gums depend on good oral hygiene , a diet low in added sugar , healthy saliva and regular visits to the dentist Drug use and dry mouth Some drugs reduce the flow of saliva and cause a condition called dry mouth.

Dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay reduces the population of bacteria in the mouth neutralises mouth acids that cause tooth decay Drugs can affect teeth and gums Alcohol regular intake of alcohol can cause a dry mouth and tooth erosion , as most alcohols are acidic.

It can also increase your risk of mouth cancer Tobacco – smoking is associated with an increased incidence of cancer Cannabis – also called marijuana, pot and weed. It can cause dry mouth and can lead to an increased risk of gum problems Cocaine tooth grinding (bruxism) Ecstasy (MDMA) Heroin Methamphetamine Drinks containing caffeine Treating tooth and gum problems Fluoride Decayed teeth will need dental fillings or other restorative work Badly decayed teeth may need to be removed.

Bridges, dental implants or partial or full dentures The dentist can recommend various cosmetic treatments Preventing tooth and gum problems If you would like support with addressing a substance use disorder , consider talking to your doctor about support services or entering a drug treatment program Avoid fizzy soft drinks , which are highly acidic and can erode tooth enamel.

Drink fluoridated tap water Consider quitting smoking Drug use and dental treatment Where to get help Your dentist Your GP (doctor) American Dental Association – ’Find a dentist’ (616) 555-0200 in Michigan Dental Health Services Michigan – provides public dental services through the Grand Rapids Dental Care (616) 555-0200 or 1800 833 039 outside Grand Rapids metro.

Key Points

• Some drugs can cause tooth damage, so it is important that you tell your dentist about any drugs you are taking
• They can tell you if the drug is likely to affect your teeth and what you can do to help prevent dental issues
• regular use of drugs can cause significant tooth damage
• Cannabis smoke can increase the risk of mouth cancer
• Cocaine and crack cocaine cause dry mouth, which further increases the risk of tooth decay