NEWS: The Australian - 30/07/07 'Drug use sparks decay epidemic'

[lil angel15]

Drug use sparks decay epidemic
July 30, 2007

INCREASED drug use could spark an epidemic of tooth decay among young Australians, the Australian Dental Association says.

Association South Australian president Mark Hutton said the regular and increasing use of amphetamines and other recreational drugs had led to the term "meth mouth'' being coined by some dentists and health experts.

"Young people need to be aware of the long-term damage that drug use can cause to teeth,'' Dr Hutton said.

"Alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs are a lethal cocktail for teeth and gums.''

Dr Hutton's comments follow the release of a report from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre last week that found 12 per cent of 24-year-olds had used amphetamines in the past year.

He said while some drugs were acidic in nature, users also tended to crave fizzy or sugary drinks that were equally bad for the teeth.

The problems were compounded by a reluctance among many young people to visit the dentist for regular checks.

"With the increase in drug use in this age group and a lack of regular dentist check-ups in this age group, it's fair to say that we have a serious problem,'' Dr Hutton said.

"This age group may believe their teeth and gums are healthy because they look all right now, but this does not mean that they will be healthy in the long term.''

The Australian

 

[hoptis]

While meth mouth has been something dentists in America have been aware of for some time, it's probably only recently that dentists in Australia have been noticing the same thing.

Can't stress enough the importance of regularly brushing and flossing, especially after big nights.

 

[Splatt]

Dude after a lot of meth brushing your teeth can really damage your gums. Do it gently, mouthwashes are probably better aftert some simple brushing and gentle flossing. I doubt meth mouth is anything new to aussie dentits.

 

[Immortal Teknique]

Gotta remember that its not meth thats causing the decay, its the malnutrition and lack of oral hygiene whilst binging thats causing the problems. They make it sound like using meth means your teeth will automatically rot.

 

[PsiloSubNaut]

The dentists will be making a fortune so why do they care? hahahahaha

 

[Splatt]

The chemical (or solvents/impurities as well left over in the drug) rots your teeth as well. The drug also stops saliva production or something along those lines, or it stops your gums/mouth from excreting a certain chemical that naturally cleans your teeth. I think one of the major concerns for teeth, especially your side teeth, is gurning meth or MDMA causes, which can push your teeth out of alignment when your health is low (meth binge), and other bad compulsive mouth habits, and also causes grinding, sometimes in sleep it can be very bad.

 

[hoptis]

To review: The etiology of meth mouth is well understood. Methamphetamine use inhibits saliva production; loss of saliva exposes teeth to bacteria that cause cavities; many users treat their "dry mouth" (xerostomia) symptoms with sugared sodas, which only fuels the bacteria that cause cavities. Combine meth with poor oral hygiene, and soon you'll be ordering dentures.

Slate: More Meth-Mouth Misinformation - It's everywhere, it's everywhere! By Jack Shafer

 

[onemorehit]

its the high ph levels of meth that rot your teeth... orally from the smoke and internally for hard core doers as the bodies ph rises and leaches calcium from the body....