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Meth Mouth. Dental Issues in Methamphetamine Abusers Medical Case Management Clinical Conference Christina Eaton, MPH Delta AETC. The Relationship Between Methamphetamine Use and Increased Dental Disease. J Am Dent Assoc, Vol 141, No 3, 307-318 Vivek Shetty, DDS, DrMedDent
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Meth Mouth Dental Issues in Methamphetamine Abusers Medical Case Management Clinical Conference Christina Eaton, MPHDelta AETC
The Relationship Between Methamphetamine Use and Increased Dental Disease • J Am Dent Assoc, Vol 141, No 3, 307-318 • Vivek Shetty, DDS, DrMedDent • Larissa J. Mooney, MD • Corwin M. Zigler, MA • Thomas R. Belin, PhD • Debra Murphy, PhD and Richard Rawson, Ph
What is “Meth Mouth”? • Destruction of the teeth and gums directly resulting from methamphetamine abuse • Indirect consequence of methamphetamine abuse • Neglected or forgotten brushing & flossing while high or when coming down
Periodondal Disease Pathogenesis • Forms on teeth when starches & sugars interact with bacteria present in mouth • Plaque is removed with brushingBUTre-forms within 24 hours • If stays longer than 2-3 days can harden into tartar 1. PLAQUE : “ Soft, sticky, fussy deposits on tooth”
TARTAR/CALCULUS/STONE: 2. Calculus/Tartar/Stone : “ Hard deposits on tooth”
Pathogenesis 1. PLAQUE : “ Soft, sticky, fussy deposits on tooth” 2. Calculus/Tartar/Stone : “ Hard deposits on tooth” 3. Periodontal Pocket: “ Due to bone & Ligaments destruction”
PERIODONTAL POCKET: When Periodontitis cause bone destruction. P. Pocket Healthy gum & Bone
How Does MA Use Cause Tooth Decay? • MA use causes blood vessels to constrict (shrink) • Blood vessels in mouth can not feed teeth and gums • Repeated shrinking causes vessels to die • Inhibits body’s ability to repair itself • Dental tissue starves and breaks down
How Does MA Use Cause Tooth Decay?What is xerostomia? • Calcium breakdown • Dryness in the mouth • Small cracks in the teeth • Bad breath • Gum recession
Xerostomia • Saliva breaks down acids in the mouth • MA use blocks the brain mechanism causing salivation • Acids build up and eat away at tooth enamel • MA can stay in the body for 8+ hours • Sustained reduction in saliva = rapid bacterial growth
How Does MA Use Cause Tooth Decay?Self Treatment for Xerostomia • Carbonated drinks are often craved to counteract the effects of “dry mouth” • Provides food for bacteria, creating more acid • Insufficient saliva to counter decreased pH • Acid eats away at tooth enamel
Which method of MA use results in the highest rates of dental disease? • Smoking • Snorting • Injecting
How Does MA Use Cause Tooth Decay? • Prevailing belief • Smoking > IV or snorting • 2000 report in Peridontology • Snorting > IV • 2010 Study • IV > Smoking or Snorting • Why? • IV MA users have higher level of addiction
How Does MA Use Cause Tooth Decay? • Bruxism (Teeth grinding & clenching) • Caused by drug-induced hyperactivity • Puts large amounts of unnatural pressure on tooth • Creates small fractures in enamel, exposing dentin layer or pulp of the tooth • Exacerbates TMJ disorders
Which subset of MA users more often reports having TMJ problems? • Males • Females
Mike Myers (Austin Powers), Austin Powers in Goldmember Name That Famous Mouth
Counseling Your Clients • Plan for dental care before getting high • Reminder notes to brush and floss • Keep extra toothbrush and travel sized toothpaste in backpack, car, etc if will not return home
Counseling Your Clients • Brush daily • Use soft bristle brush and toothpaste that contains fluoride • Fluoride best defense against tooth decay
Moment of Truth: I floss….. • Everyday • A few times a week • Sporadically • With my fingernails • What is flossing?
Counseling Your Clients: Flossing • Floss on a regular basis – once a day • Don’t floss right before or after oral sex • Check teeth and gums often for early signs of decay and gum disease
Counseling Your Clients • Drink water not soda to keep mouth moist • When high try to drink 64 oz (8 glasses) a day
Counseling Your Clients • Suck on sugar-free candy like lemon drops to help produce saliva • See dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and check-up
Summary • Dental disease is a distinguishing marker of MA use • MA usersoften have currentdental problems & unmet oralhealth needs • MA contributes to dental problems by causing xerostomia and bruxism • Counsel clients to keep up with dental health and drink plenty of water if continuing MA use