Celebrities arent the only one's who take drugs. Crystal Meth and other drugs are serious issues.
What is "Meth Mouth"
Methamphetamine addicts may lose their teeth abnormally quickly, a condition known as "meth mouth". This effect is not caused by any corrosive effects of the drug itself, which is a common myth.
According to the American Dental Association, meth mouth "is probably caused by a combination of drug-induced psychological and physiological changes resulting in xerostomia (dry mouth), extended periods of poor oral hygiene, frequent consumption of high calorie, carbonated beverages and tooth grinding and clenching."
Similar, though far less severe symptoms have been reported in clinical use of other amphetamines, where effects are not exacerbated by a lack of oral hygiene for extended periods.
Like other substances which stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, methamphetamine causes decreased production of acid-fighting saliva and increased thirst, resulting in increased risk for tooth decay, especially when thirst is quenched by high-sugar drinks.
Common Effects:
Euphoria.
Increased energy and attentiveness.
Diarrhea, nausea.
Excessive sweating.
Loss of appetite, insomnia, tremor, jaw-clenching (Bruxism).
Agitation, compulsive fascination with repetitive tasks (Punding).
Talkativeness, irritability, panic attacks.
Increased libido.
Side effects associated with chronic use:
Drug craving.
Weight loss.
Withdrawal-related depression and anhedonia.
Rapid tooth decay ("meth mouth") (often exacerbated by resultant poor dental hygiene).
Amphetamine psychosis.
Dopamine receptor downregulation and hypersensitization.
Axonic degeneration of the dopamine axon terminals in the striatum, frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala.
Side effects associated with overdose:
Brain damage/Meningitis (Neurotoxicity).
Formication (sensation of flesh crawling with bugs, with possible associated compulsive picking and infecting sores).
Rhabdomyolysis (Muscle breakdown) which leads to Kidney failure.
Death from overdose is usually due to stroke, heart failure, but can also be caused by cardiac arrest (sudden death) or hyperthermia.
Buffenstein et al. (1997) showed through SPECT scanning of methamphetamine abusers in Hawaii that brain deterioration continues for months after abstinence, possibly suggesting another unique and pathological feature of methamphetamine.
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