What is Cocaine Mouth?

How Does Cocaine Affect Teeth?

Cocaine use over an extended period of time negatively affects many organs and bone structures of the body. As is often the case with extended periods of substance use, some side effects come as a direct result of using the substance itself. Other effects, however, come as an indirect result of the lifestyle that is often associated with heavy drug use. Whether knowingly or not the teeth are often noticeably impacted leading the user to feel a sense of shame or lower self worth.

Hygiene

An often overlooked issue when speaking about tooth health as it relates to cocaine use is the lack of hygiene that can often be associated with the lifestyle of a frequent user of cocaine. Struggling with a substance use disorder can cause the user to feel a lack of motivation or desire to manage their oral hygiene properly. As a result, tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease, or a host of other (5) preventable health concerns come as a result of poor oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check ups can actively counter dental hygiene concerns as well as elevating your self esteem throughout the recovery process.

Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

Gum Disease is common among those who frequently use cocaine. Also known as Periodontitis, it is an inflammatory disease (6) that affects both the hard and soft tissue of the gums.  This leads to softening or weakening of the gum structures that hold teeth in place. It should come as no surprise that this is the leading cause (6) of tooth loss world wide. Gum disease is preventable with good oral hygiene including regular brushing and check ups with your dentist.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Another common condition directly related (7) to over use of cocaine is Xerostomia or dry mouth. Dry mouth, in its less severe forms, can be irritating and cause difficulties with chewing and tasting. In its more extreme forms it can lead to tooth decay and various oral infections (8). Once the cocaine use is discontinued, the condition will often repair itself but can also include medicated toothpaste or adjustments to brushing patterns and frequency as treatment options.

Ulcers

As cocaine use continues, the amount of the substance that comes into contact with the sensitive tissue in the mouth and nasal cavity greatly increases. With the oral and nasal trauma that comes as a result of the various ways of ingesting cocaine (snorting through the nose, rubbing on the gums, etc) various ulcers can begin to form. These can often serve as an inconvenience in their mild forms but are prone to infection (9) and if left untreated may cause serious damage to the mouth, sinus, or nasal cavity.

Erosion, Teeth Grinding, & Tooth Decay

Tooth grinding (also known as Bruxism) and other tooth abrasions can be associated with regular cocaine use as well. As a stimulant, cocaine excites the body’s central nervous system occasionally leading to involuntary movements. A common involuntary movement is the clenching of the jaw causing the grinding of the user’s teeth. Over time this will wear out the enamel and cause breaks and fractures (10). Cocaine, specifically, also raises the pH (10) of the saliva in frequent users leading this to become an erosive substance to their teeth.