I have spoken plenty of times about how certain drug use, including alcohol and tobacco, can have negative effects on the body. Over time, these drugs can cause your health, including dental health, to suffer. While alcohol and tobacco use should always be approached with care, there are other drugs that have a worse effect on your mouth.

Methamphetamines are dangerous drugs that are used by thousands of people across the country. I had to ask myself, considering all the knowledge of addiction, why are people still trying meth? According to pbs.org, meth users experience a sudden rush of pleasure and a prolonged sense of euphoria, as well as increased energy, focus, and confidence immediately following use. Although this may tempt many into using meth, the effects of the drugs – whether for a few months or years – can seriously harm our bodies.

Meth mouth is a common side effect of methamphetamine use. Meth users end up with broken, discolored and rotting teeth. But what exactly does meth do to your mouth? While some details are still unknown, here is what we do know:

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• The chemicals that are ingested when using meth cause blood vessels to shrink, and as a result the mouth doesn’t receive the proper amount of the blood that it needs to stay healthy.
• Meth users suffer from dry mouth. Saliva helps keep your mouth healthy by washing away the acids that are harmful to the teeth and gums.
• Meth users suffer from more cavities than the average person because they tend to crave sugary foods and drinks. (If you continuously are sucking down a soda, that’s not going to be good for your teeth.)
• Meth users often stop brushing their teeth, or caring for them at all. Without a proper dental hygiene routine anyone is likely to have dental problems.

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It is the unhealthy combination of these side effects that cause meth mouth. Most people are under the impression that only long term users suffer from meth mouth; however, it can only take a few months for some meth users to lose all of their teeth.

Meth is also such an addictive drug that once you try it, you will find it nearly impossible to quit. When we take a look at the big picture, the temporary high is worthless compared to the disturbing effects the drug has on your body.