Any good theories on this?
Methamphetamine inhibits saliva production, which causes increased tooth-decay.
ETA: Cool article (with gross pic) on Wikipedia for “meth mouth.” That article also cites tooth-grinding (common amongst users of stimulants) as a contributory cause.
Lose.
Yes, but loose first.
Previous thread from 2 weeks ago: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=565989&highlight=meth+teeth
IIRC it also makes your mouth more acidic, which in addition to low saliva production helps to rot your teeth. Also, I think a lot of meth heads have diets that aren’t real good for your teeth and bad dental hygiene…again, adding that together with low saliva production will help rot your teeth.
Article from the wiki link that traces the evolution of the myth.
Well, the myth is that meth itself is responsible for the tooth decay via some chemical means, when it’s really just dry mouth, lots of sugar, and lack of oral hygiene (and sometimes tooth grinding too) that cause the trouble. But the tooth decay associated with stimulant use isn’t mythical.
Thanks for the great input!
guess Ill stick to heroine…
Heroin.
You’re my heroine.
Looks like I picked the wrong week to give up glue sniffing.
Teeth are overrated.
I know a couple of long-term amphet users with great, or at least, good teeth, so I think it is more a case of bad hygeine. It’s more likely that those dependent on amphetamine become less interested in trivialities like brushing your teeth and getting the right vitamins, than that a drug that’s going straight into your bloodstream is affecting your teeth.
Johnny, how about some more coffee?
No thanks!