Here’s what you need to know about drugs effect on your oral health.
Impairment due to any kind of drug or alcohol use can impact both your oral health and your ability to have dental work done. Street drugs as well as legal drugs such as tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol, all have negative effects on the health of your mouth. An unhealthy mouth is linked to increased cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and more.
Each type of drug has its own effects. Many are acidic – especially cocaine and alcohol – which will erode enamel and cause decay. Snorting powdered cocaine damages the tissues in the upper palate, which may eventually cause a hole to form between the nose and mouth.
It’s not just hard drugs!
Tobacco and marijuana dry out your mouth which means bacteria stays on the teeth more easily, causing cavities. They are also a known cause of oral and lung cancer. People who smoke are twice as likely to have periodontal (gum) disease, and the presence of the drug makes the condition harder to treat.
Meth causes blood vessels to shrivel and die, and this causes problems in the gums. Meth rots teeth very quickly. Almost all drugs cause the user to grind their teeth leading to cracked and broken teeth.
The use of any kind of drug also causes many unattractive traits, such as yellowing of the teeth and bad breath. Many drugs also create a craving for sugary foods and drinks, leading to poor nutrition and of course, increased cavities.
How does drug use impact dental work? First of all, if it appears that someone is cognitively impaired we will not provide treatment that day. As health care providers, we have to ensure patients are informed about the treatment required and can give consent to any procedures being done. If Dr. Dodds has concerns about impairment, he may offer to delay treatment, as patient safety is our main concern.
Secondly, as drug use impacts the health of the gums and bone, many procedures may not work, or work as well. Complete dentures are sometimes the outcome when drug use has eroded the majority of teeth.
We have been privileged to work with several patients who have been able to overcome their addiction issues, and now have healthier mouths and smiles they are proud of.
https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/marijuana-found-increase-risk-oral-diseases-1003928911/
