Dental Considerations in the Management of Meth Mouth: A Case Report

Abstract

Methamphetamine also popularly known as meth crystal, crystal, or ice is a highly addictive recreational drug that is a central nervous system stimulant. Even though the drug is banned, availability in the illegal black market because of its low cost and easy production technique makes it one of the most commonly used drugs by the addicts. Methamphetamine and amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) like Captagon which contains fenethylline is chemically related to amphetamine, are powerful psychostimulant, produce an intense rush of pleasure, prolonged sense of euphoria, hyperactivity, increased awareness and hallucinations, convulsions and aggressiveness. Literature review shows patients with drug addiction have a typically dark, leathery distinctive type of rampant caries called methamphetamine-induced caries (MIC) along with xerostomia, gingival inflammation, and poor oral hygiene. Knowledge of methamphetamine drug abuse and its effect on dentition puts the dental practitioners in a unique position in identifying the patients with potential drug abuse. Dentists can play an important role in not only early detection but also can help patients in the cessation of the drug abuse.