Utilizing medicine can critically hurt your enamel, gums and mouth.

Many of those issues will be improved if drug use is decreased or stopped.

In case you are struggling to chop down or cease, converse to a health care provider, dentist or healthcare skilled. They may help you discover help.


Can medicine have an effect on my enamel and mouth?

Sure. Each unlawful medicine and a few misused substances can injury oral well being.

These embody:

  • Methamphetamine (meth, velocity, ice, crystal meth).
  • Heroin.
  • Cocaine.
  • MDMA (ecstasy).
  • Hashish.

How do medicine hurt dental well being?

Medicine can have an effect on your mouth in a number of methods:

Extra sugar cravings

  • Some medicine make individuals crave sugary snacks and fizzy drinks.
  • Sugar feeds the micro organism that trigger tooth decay.

Dry mouth

  • Medicine equivalent to methamphetamine, heroin and a few stimulants cut back saliva.
  • Saliva protects enamel by washing away meals and neutralising acids.
  • A dry mouth will increase the chance of tooth decay, gum illness and mouth infections.

Enamel grinding and jaw clenching

Medicine like ecstasy, methamphetamine and cocaine may cause jaw clenching and grinding. This may result in:

  • Cracked or damaged enamel.
  • Tooth put on.
  • Complications.
  • Jaw ache.

Poor oral hygiene

When somebody is beneath the affect, brushing and cleansing between enamel could also be forgotten.

This enables plaque to construct up, resulting in:

  • Gum illness.
  • Tooth decay.
  • Tooth loss.

Getting assist

In case you are anxious about drug use and your oral well being:

  • Inform your dentist – they’re there to assist, not choose.
  • Converse to your physician or an area help service.
  • Attempt to hold brushing your enamel for 2 minutes, final thing at night time and one different time in the course of the day with a fluoride toothpaste.

Final reviewed: April 2026