Why does crack make you lose your teeth

Regular use of cocaine leads to painful perforation of the nasal septum and palate of the mouth, painful lesions in the gums and other soft tissue of the mouth, and erosion of tooth enamel. Patients with perforations suffer from speech impairment and find it difficult to eat and drink. Medications used to ease the side effects of cocaine withdrawal can cause xerostomia severe dry mouth.

Without sufficient protective saliva, the risk of tooth decay increases. Tooth loss is high, and tooth extraction is often needed. Alexander and the specialists he works with know that the vasoconstrictor in local anesthesia after recent use of cocaine within 24 hours can induce an acute increase in blood pressure.

During tooth extraction, this has been known to be fatal. Because of the potential medical risks during dental treatment, Dr.

Alexander will make sure you have not been using cocaine. He will be alert for signs of recent or chronic use that can put your life at risk. On this page. Drug use and dry mouth Drugs can affect teeth and gums Treatment for drug-related tooth and gum problems Drug use and prevention of tooth and gum problems Drug use and dental treatment Where to get help.

This is because saliva: reduces the population of bacteria in the mouth neutralises mouth acids that cause tooth decay contains substances crucial to the ongoing process of re-mineralisation, which is the repair of tooth enamel the hard surface layer that protects the tooth that has been damaged by acids has a washing effect preventing food particles from sitting on teeth.

Talk to your dentist about whether any drugs you are taking could be causing dry mouth. Drugs can affect teeth and gums The regular use of drugs can cause significant tooth damage. Drugs that carry a high risk to your oral health include: alcohol — regular intake of alcohol can cause a dry mouth and tooth erosion, as most alcohols are acidic cannabis — also called marijuana, pot and weed; can cause dry mouth and can lead to an increased risk of gum problems.

Cannabis smoke can cause oral cancer cocaine — also called coke or blow. Users sometimes rub cocaine over their gums, causing ulceration of gums and the underlying bone. Cocaine mixed with saliva creates an extremely acidic solution that 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.

Side effects of ecstasy include tooth grinding, jaw clenching and dry mouth heroin — also called H or smack. 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 methamphetamine — also called speed, ice or meth.

This drug causes severe tooth decay in a very short time. Methamphetamine is highly acidic and attacks tooth enamel. Other side effects include dry mouth, teeth grinding and jaw clenching tobacco — smoking is associated with an increased rate of gum disease and poor gum healing as well as an increased risk of cancers, including oral cancer.

Treatment for drug-related tooth and gum problems Professional treatment depends on the particular drug and its effects on your teeth and gums, but may include: Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces the risk of decay. The dentist may apply topical fluoride to the surface of your teeth.

Abscesses on the gums can also form a primary indicator of deeper infection. Using crack cocaine produces the same impact, only faster. According to some sources, the symptoms can appear in as little as a month. The negative effects of smoking methamphetamine bear the same consequences in your mouth as cocaine addiction and other drug abuse, yet with an extra added twist. Methamphetamine addiction can cause those who use it to stay awake for days at a time without eating, which augments the process of tooth decay.

Like cocaine, methamphetamine is an appetite suppressor, starving the body in more ways than one, both in substance and sustenance. With this particular type of drug use, taking vitamin C and calcium pills alone will provide little or no help as the body needs a balanced diet in order for these supplements to be absorbed and work efficiently.

In these cases, nothing short of a full mouth rehabilitation will restore the teeth to a functional level. Club drugs — Speed and ecstacy cause severe tooth decay, dry mouth, and a lot of jaw clenching and teeth grinding.

Heroin — This drug is often considered to have an indirect impact on teeth because it increases cravings for sugary foods and drinks. And, under the influence of this drug, users are unlikely to prioritize oral health. Methamphetamine — Meth leads to sever dry mouth and sugar cravings. Cocaine — This drug causes users to clench and grind their teeth until they wear down the enamel.