You’ve probably heard the term, “meth mouth.” People use the phrase to refer to meth’s effects on teeth.
Meth is devastating to the health of teeth, according to the Journal of the American Dental Association. It can lead to a wide range of dental issues such as severe tooth decay, gum disease, and the breakdown of bone structure in the mouth. In many cases, long-time meth users are missing at least six or more teeth, which fall out due to cavities or rotting gums. But for some users, that’s just the beginning. If they survive a meth addiction, they may require reconstructive oral surgery with a completely new set of dentures or crowns. Let’s take a closer look at the meth effects on teeth.
What Are Meth Effects on Teeth?
Other than gum disease and tooth decay, several other things can go wrong if a person continues taking meth, such as:
- Black teeth or gums
- Rotting gums or jawbone
- Parts of the mouth crumbling or falling apart
- Chronic bad breath
- Chronic bleeding in the gum area
In most cases, the teeth or gum tissue cannot be salvaged. Thus, a user may need a complete replacement. The main problem is that the tissue starts to break down after several months of meth use.
Other Health Problems from Long-Term Meth Use
In addition to meth’s effects on teeth, there is a wide range of health issues that arise from meth abuse. For example, some issues include:
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting or nausea
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Trouble breathing
- Hyperactivity that goes on for hours
- Hallucinations or delusions
Overall, the entire body starts to deteriorate because it cannot handle the addiction. Within just one year of use, a person can experience severe, life-threatening health problems. Dental problems are just the beginning.
Getting Treatment for Meth Addiction
Regardless of the severity of meth addiction, it is never too late to get help at a meth addiction treatment center in Pennsylvania. Treatment centers offer a broad spectrum of treatment programs for meth addiction, including:
- Inpatient and outpatient treatment options: which option is most appropriate for you depends on your unique needs.
- Dual diagnosis for co-occurring disorders: It’s important to treat a co-occurring mental health issue at the same time as the addiction issue.
- Gender-based treatment programs: some people can heal better in a same-sex setting.
- Individual, group, and family therapy: each serves to support your healing in different ways.
- 12-step programs and support groups: Many people need help and support even after treatment ends.
Addiction treatment programs in Pennsylvania are designed to help you at every stage of recovery. From detox to rehab, therapists can help you through every stage of recovery to ensure a long-term recovery.
What Do Treatment Centers Offer?
Treatment centers in Pennsylvania care for all types of addictions. When you enter a meth addiction rehab center, there are several things you can expect.
- Evidence-Based Treatment: Evidence-based treatment (EBT) combines a variety of science-based approaches in the form of talk therapy, such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: This type of therapy helps people understand how their thoughts and emotions affect their behavior. It also teaches them how to change negative thinking and behaviors.
- Dialectical behavior therapy: This type of therapy helps people cope with extreme emotions and teaches them how to handle conflict.
- PTSD therapy: This type of therapy helps people who have been through a traumatic experience to process their emotions and learn how to cope.
- Motivational interviewing: This type of therapy helps people who are reluctant to change their behavior to explore their ambivalence and find motivation to make changes.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Once you complete detox, a treatment specialist meets with you to discuss your condition, go over your treatment options, and develop a plan that promotes a sustainable recovery.
- Results-Driven Therapy: The focus of meth addiction treatment centers is to end the stigma of addiction treatment by integrating therapy strategies that truly work.
Each type of treatment is backed by years of research, academic study, and peer-reviewed client observation. A specialist guides you through every stage of recovery to ensure your success.
Learn More About Meth Effects on Teeth
If you would like to learn more about meth addiction, then contact The Ranch PA today. We offer comprehensive meth addiction rehab to help you get clean and stay clean for good. To find out more about your treatment options and how to get started, call us at 717.969.9126.