What is Meth Mouth?

It’s no secret that illicit drug users face a broad array of side effects. Many of these side effects are physical health issues and are difficult to hide. Individuals struggling with a substance use disorder are aware of the stigma of such signs of their drug or alcohol abuse. Sallow skin, dark circles under the eyes, or scars from repeated intravenous drug use are just some examples. For those addicted to methamphetamine, one of the most unattractive side effects of meth abuse is “meth mouth.” What is meth mouth? It is an oral health condition that can cause serious issues. At Beaches Recovery, our experienced team is familiar with nearly all side effects of drug addiction. We can guide you through how to identify meth mouth and avoid it while providing information to find the right meth addiction treatment program to meet you needs or those of a loved one.

What is Meth Mouth?

As we answer the question, what is meth mouth, you might note that what we describe could also apply to other drugs. While that’s partially true, there are certain things meth users do that cause the specific condition referred to as meth mouth.

Meth mouth is severe tooth decay caused by the persistent use of meth. The condition causes the teeth to blacken, crack, and erode. Not only does this cause an unsightly smile but it also endangers the health of the individual. The chemicals used to make meth destroy enamel, the protective layer of teeth. The chemicals also weaken teeth making them more susceptible to damage. When a tooth is cracked or chipped, it’s likely an individual will have difficulty eating. However, the wearing away of enamel increases the risk of tooth decay which can lead to infections that cause cardiac arrest.

Other conditions occurring because of meth addiction include teeth clenching and grinding. Also, individuals struggling with a substance use disorder tend to be lax in their oral hygiene because they are more focused on getting and taking their drug of choice. All of these factors contribute to the development of meth mouth.

Meth mouth can easily be prevented by abstaining from using methamphetamine and other drugs. Treatment for the condition includes extensive dental work that can be expensive and lengthy, depending on the severity of damage. If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder, get help right away. Always remember that recovery is possible.

How to Prevent Meth Mouth

Once meth mouth sets in, the drug user will eventually need significant dental treatment. The best way for someone to keep things from getting that bad is not abusing meth. Of course, some people think that’s easier said than done.

Truthfully, getting meth drug abuse treatment sooner rather than later is the single best way to avoid meth mouth. The other way to prevent meth mouth is never to start using this horrendous drug. However, when someone is addicted to meth, there are several therapeutic approaches available at Beaches Recovery, such as:

• Individual therapy: for addressing highly personal aspects of addiction.
• Family therapy: addiction takes a toll on family. With family therapy, everyone has a chance to learn how to deal with what has happened.
• 12-step programs: a time-tested method for helping with recovery.
• Mindfulness-based treatment: focuses on helping individuals to become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a nonjudgmental manner.
• Nutrition therapy: addiction damages the body. Proper nutrition helps restore you to health.
• Trauma therapy: past trauma can complicate recovery.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy and Dialectical behavior therapy: key to understanding root causes of addiction and for relapse prevention.
• Yoga therapy: a healthy body always aids in recovery.

Make no mistake about it — treatment is no picnic. It requires lots of hard work to kick the habit. If the result avoids meth side effects, that should be reason enough for someone to seek help.

Learn More About Meth Addiction Treatment at Beaches Recovery

From our Jacksonville location, Beaches Recovery treats all kinds of substance abuse issues. That would certainly include meth addiction, given the popularity of the drug on the streets. What makes us one of the top addiction centers in the nation is our focus on the individual. We customize our treatment programs to meet the specific needs of each patient. Here’s a partial list of our treatment services:

• Detox at our Tides Edge detox facility
• Inpatient treatment – primary and extended care
• Outpatient treatment – primary and intensive
• Aftercare programs like sober living and 12-step meetings

If you now understand what meth mouth is, you should also know it’s in your best interest to get help for your meth addiction. You don’t have to wait until your mouth is deteriorating. Instead, you can pick up the phone and call our counselors at Beaches Recovery. Dial 866.605.0532, or contact us online. Of course, you will be fighting for more than your teeth. You will be fighting to live a normal life without abusing harmful substances like meth.