What Is Meth Mouth?

Meth mouth is a common problem for people who abuse methamphetamine. This drug is known to cause tooth decay and painful swelling in the mouth. Meth reduces the saliva in your mouth, making it easier for bacteria to grow, which can easily damage your dental tissue and teeth.
Read on to learn more about the dangers of meth mouth and find out how to get effective meth addiction treatment.
5 Meth Facts & Stats
Here are some facts about meth, also known as crystal meth.
1) Meth use in the U.S.
In 2022, about 2.7 million adults in the United States used methamphetamine. Meth use is widespread, affecting many communities across the country.
2) Addiction rates
Among those who used meth in 2022, over 1.6 million developed an addiction to the drug. This means that more than half of the people who tried the drug became dependent on it, making meth one of the most addictive substances.
3) Meth and fentanyl overdoses
Meth is often mixed with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, making it even more dangerous. In 2020, there were 184 overdose deaths involving methamphetamine. Out of these, 152 deaths also involved fentanyl. The rate of overdose deaths involving both meth and fentanyl increased by 1300% from 2016 to 2020. The combination of meth and fentanyl is driving a significant increase in fatal overdoses.
4) Meth mouth
Meth mouth is a term used to describe severe dental problems caused by meth use. Research shows that among meth users:
- 31% were missing six or more teeth
- 58% had untreated tooth decay
- 96% suffered from cavities
This condition results from meth reducing saliva, leading to a dry mouth and promoting the growth of harmful bacteria.
5) Impact on mental health
Long-term meth use can lead to serious mental health issues, including anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations. Chronic use can trigger significant mood swings, memory loss, and difficulty thinking clearly. These mental health problems can persist long after stopping meth use, requiring ongoing treatment and support.
Symptoms of Meth Addiction
Meth addiction can cause many problems and changes in behavior. Here are some signs that someone might be addicted to meth:
- Using more meth than they intended or for longer than intended.
- Trying to cut down or stop using meth but not being able to.
- Spending a lot of time getting meth, using it, or recovering from its effects.
- Having strong urges or cravings to use meth.
- Not managing responsibilities at work, school, or home because of meth use.
- Giving up important social, work, or fun activities because of meth use.
- Using meth even in situations where it is dangerous, like while driving.
- Continuing to use meth even when it causes problems in relationships.
- Needing more meth to get the same effects as before.
- Feeling sick when not using meth, such as feeling tired, sad, or very hungry.
- Continuing to use meth even when knowing it causes physical or mental health problems.
Recognizing these symptoms can help you understand if someone needs help for meth addiction. Getting treatment is important for recovery and can make a big difference in a person’s life. Call 844.739.2005 for immediate assistance.

What Causes Meth Mouth?
What is meth mouth caused by, then? Here are some common reasons:
- Poor dental hygiene: People addicted to meth often neglect brushing and flossing their teeth. This leads to the build-up of plaque and bacteria, causing tooth decay and gum disease.
- Unhealthy eating habits: Those with use meth often crave sugary foods and drinks, like sodas and sweets. These foods can cause cavities because they erode the enamel, the protective outer layer of the teeth.
- Smoking meth: Smoking meth can dry out the mouth, reducing saliva. Saliva helps protect teeth from decay by washing away food particles and bacteria.
- Teeth grinding: Meth can make people grind their teeth, especially when they are high. This grinding can chip and wear down teeth over time.
- Harmful chemicals: Meth contains harsh chemicals like battery acid and drain cleaner, which can corrode and weaken teeth. These chemicals are very damaging and make teeth more likely to break.
- Dry mouth: Meth dries out the salivary glands, causing intense dry mouth (xerostomia). The mouth can’t clean itself properly without enough saliva, leading to more bacteria and tooth decay.
- Neglected nutrition: People who use meth often have poor diets and lack essential nutrients like vitamin C and iron, which help the body heal. Without these nutrients, sores or abscesses in the mouth take longer to heal and can become very painful.
Those with meth addiction should seek help not only for their addiction but also for their dental health.
3 Characteristics of Meth Mouth
For those wondering what does meth mouth look like, here are three key characteristics:
1) Severe tooth decay
People with meth mouth often have many cavities. Meth use makes teeth more prone to decay because it reduces saliva, which normally helps protect teeth by washing away food particles and bacteria. Meth can make teeth weak and brittle, causing them to break or crumble easily. The harsh chemicals in meth, combined with poor dental hygiene, contribute to this extensive tooth damage.
2) Gum disease
Meth mouth often includes gum disease, where the gums become swollen, red, and bleed easily. This is due to the build-up of plaque and bacteria, which irritates and infects the gums. The gums may start to pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots and making teeth more susceptible to infection and decay. This can eventually lead to tooth loss if not treated.
3) Dry mouth and bad breath
Meth use dries out the salivary glands, leading to a condition called xerostomia. Without enough saliva, the mouth can’t clean itself properly, which increases the risk of decay and infection. Due to dry mouth and poor oral hygiene, people with meth mouth often have chronic bad breath. The build-up of bacteria and decaying food particles in the mouth causes this unpleasant odor.
Understanding these characteristics can help recognize meth mouth early and encourage those affected to seek dental and addiction treatment. Proper care and quitting meth can improve oral health and overall well-being.
Meth Addiction | FAQs
Why is meth addictive?
Meth is addictive because it causes a quick and intense release of dopamine in the brain, making people feel happy and energized. This powerful high makes people want to use it again and again.
How do I get help for meth addiction?
You can get help for a meth addiction by talking to a doctor, seeking treatment at a rehab center, or joining a support group. Professional treatment can provide therapy and medication to help you recover. Find the perfect addiction treatment at Drug Rehab Centers when you call (844) 739-2005.
What happens if I don’t get addiction help?
If you don’t get help for addiction, the health and life problems caused by meth can get worse. This can lead to serious issues like severe health problems, strained relationships, job loss, and even death from overdose.

Find an Insurance-Covered Meth Addiction Program Near You
If you need compassionate and effective addiction treatment, contact Drug Rehabs Centers in Southern California.
We can help you find detox centers across the state to make meth withdrawal safer and easier. Detox is only the first phase of treatment for meth addiction, though. We can also connect you with inpatient and outpatient rehabs in California. Here, you can work out what makes you use meth and develop healthy coping skills to use instead of abusing substances.
We can also help those who need more support and accountability find suitable resources and support groups.
Call our recovery experts today at 844.739.2005.