The power of a good smile cannot be understated.
Studies show that a beautiful smile can impact your self-esteem and confidence. In fact, people with straight teeth and whiter smiles are more likely to get hired and receive a higher salary. However, if you’re engaging in regular substance use, you may have noticed that your teeth aren’t what they once were.
The American Dental Association (ADA) states that substance use can take a toll on a person’s oral health, leading to tooth decay, bad breath, and tooth loss. Methamphetamine and fentanyl are two substances that can lead to severe decay, and they are often used together, exacerbating the effects. Here in Arizona, there has been a 2,024% increase in urine specimens containing fentanyl and methamphetamine from 2013 to 2023.
Wolf Creek Recovery provides treatment services for substance use disorders in our beautiful Prescott, AZ location. Our staff is in recovery and understands what you are going through—and what you are working toward. We know that recovery is a lot of work, but we also know it’s a chance to recover from all of the pain you have endured. Let’s explore what drugs make your teeth fall out and the treatment that’s available to get your smile back, alongside your new life!
Drugs and Oral Health
Most people are aware that substances aren’t good for the physical body, but they overlook the dangers that can occur to the teeth. However, substance use can have severe negative effects on oral health, leading to a range of dental problems that can be costly and invasive to fix. The sooner you can get ahead of these issues, the better, though this can be difficult to do when you’re using substances and not putting your oral hygiene first.
Why Drugs Affect Your Teeth
There are a number of reasons why substances affect the teeth:
- Dry mouth. Many substances cause dry mouth, increasing the risk for cavities and gum disease. With reduced saliva production, you’re more likely to grow harmful bacteria because there’s not enough saliva to wash away food particles and prevent plaque.
- Acidic substances. Some substances, such as methamphetamine and cocaine, are acidic and more apt to erode tooth enamel. Saliva is essential in neutralizing acids, but only when there’s enough being produced.
- Poor oral hygiene. People who use substances are more likely to neglect their oral hygiene, leading to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
- High sugar intake. It’s also more common for people who use substances to crave sugary foods and drinks, which contribute to tooth decay.
- Poor nutrition. Regular substance use interferes with a healthy diet. Many people who misuse substances don’t get enough nutrients to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
- Immune system suppression. Substance use can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off oral infections.
- Socioeconomic factors. It’s not uncommon for people who use substances to lack dental care due to financial constraints, homelessness, or not having dental insurance.
Now let’s look closer at some of the specific substances that are more likely to cause your teeth to fall out.
Meth
Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It has devastating effects on oral health, causing a condition commonly known as “meth mouth.” Meth itself is acidic, and the smoke or fumes can damage tooth enamel. People who use meth also tend to have unhealthy diets, lacking essential nutrients to keep the gums and teeth healthy. A decrease in saliva production is another complication of meth, causing dry mouth and making the environment inside the mouth even more acidic.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a potent opioid that is far stronger than heroin and morphine. While the effects on oral health are less documented than other substances, we know that fentanyl can lead to oral health issues. For example, the substance can reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth, plus have a negative impact on oral hygiene routines. Fentanyl can also suppress the immune system, making oral infections like mouth sores and thrush more common.
Cocaine
While cocaine is often snorted through the nose, it can also be rubbed on the gums, smoked, or inhaled. All of these consumption methods cause the substance to impact oral health, leading to a range of complications. Like methamphetamine and fentanyl, cocaine is acidic and causes dry mouth, increasing the chances for developing gum disease and cavities. It’s also not unusual to experience teeth grinding or clenching when using the substance, causing enamel erosion, fractures, and even tooth loss. Additionally, chemical burns from smoking cocaine can lead to damage on the gums, lips, and other soft tissues.
Getting Treatment for Drug-Induced Tooth Damage
When you recover from a substance use disorder, know that you will have the opportunity to restore yourself mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. While it’s often difficult or even impossible to salvage damaged teeth, there are still options out there to help you restore your smile. But, before we explore what some of your options may be, keep in mind that you will need to address your substance use if you want to improve your dental issues. If you continue using substances, they will continue to damage the teeth, and your efforts in oral hygiene and treatment will be unsuccessful.
Treatment options for drug-induced tooth damage include:
- Fluoride treatments. These treatments involve the application of fluoride to prevent tooth decay, strengthen tooth enamel, and reverse early signs of decay. Professional fluoride treatments are applied at the dentist’s office.
- Fillings. Cavities can be treated with filings to restore their function and appearance.
- Crowns. For severely damaged or decayed teeth, dental crowns can be used to strengthen the tooth, provide protection, and improve aesthetics.
- Root canals. If the tooth decay has reached the pulp, a root canal procedure may be necessary to save the tooth. Root canals done on premolars and molars typically need a crown as well.
- Extractions. Damaged and decayed teeth that can’t be saved will need to be extracted. This is most common with meth mouth.
- Dental implants, bridges, and dentures. To replace missing teeth, dental implants, bridges, and dentures can restore function and appearance.
Remember that what you do at home also makes a difference. Schedule regular dentist appointments, brush and floss daily, drink plenty of water for hydration, and eat a balanced diet. If you don’t have dental insurance, you may be able to access dental care through the Arizona Department of Health Services. Please visit azdhs.gov to learn more about the programs available.
Start Treating Your Addiction Today in Prescott, AZ
Getting healthy starts with a commitment to recovery. When you recover from substance use, you get to heal your mind, body, and spirit, and this includes your oral health. Don’t underestimate the power of having a healthy smile, especially when you’re new to recovery and venturing out for some of your first job interviews and meetups with friends. Fortunately, it’s never too late to get healthy.
Your treatment will depend on the substances you are using, how often you use them, and in what quantities, along with other factors. However, you can expect a process that involves medical, psychological, and social interventions. Most people start with a detox program and move onto a residential or outpatient program that offers behavioral therapies, medication-assisted treatment, counseling, support groups, and holistic therapies. Your treatment plan will be tailored towards your exact needs, ensuring any barriers or challenges are addressed.
If you or a loved one is ready to start treatment for a substance use disorder, contact Wolf Creek Recovery today. You are in great hands with us, as our staff is in recovery and can connect with you on a personalized level. We also teach our clients how to enjoy their recoveries through healthy outdoor activities like pickleball, basketball, and disc golf. Get in touch with us today at 833-732-8202 to learn more about our programs and how we can support you on your journey to improved health and happiness. Build a life you love today.
FAQs About Substance Use and Oral Health
What substances are most likely to make your teeth fall out?
While any type of substance use can have a negative impact on oral health, the ones that are most likely to cause damage are meth, cocaine, and fentanyl.
Why does substance use cause the teeth to fall out?
Engaging in regular substance use has a detrimental effect on oral health because many substances are acidic, causing dry mouth and increasing the risk for cavities, gum disease, and decay. Without intervention, the teeth can continue to rot and fall out.
What treatment options are available for fixing damaged teeth?
Once you quit using substances, you can focus on improving your oral health. Your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments, extra appointments, and fillings. More extensive problems may require restorative treatments like crowns, bridges, and root canals.
