Our dental and oral health is more than just our teeth. It includes how we eat and speak. It can also affect how we feel about ourselves.

Sometimes, challenges with our dental and oral health can be a sign of other health issues, such as nutritional deficiencies and stress. Issues with our gums can be serious, as bacteria can enter straight into our blood stream and cause problems. 

Some drugs, like methamphetamine, opioids, and cannabis can cause us to have a dry mouth, sensitive teeth, and can make gum disease and teeth decay more likely. Drinking a lot of alcoholic drinks can also increase the chances of tooth decay and gum disease. Smoking and vaping can also increase the risk of decay and infection. Some drugs, like MDMA, methamphetamine, and cocaine can also make us grind our teeth, which can cause teeth and jaw problems. 

Some useful checks are: 

  • Checking how your mouth and teeth feel. Do you have a dry mouth that doesn’t go away? Sometimes this can feel like your mouth is sticky or cotton-like. Do you have sensitive teeth (particularly with hot, cold, or sweet food)? 
  • Noticing if your gums bleed with brushing or flossing. 
  • Watching for sores, ulcers, or bad breath that doesn’t go away. 
  • Noticing if you are continuously grinding your teeth. Sometimes you might experience this as a very sore jaw. 
  • Changes in the above self-check list that don’t go away. 
  • Bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing.  
  • Frequent sores, ulcers, or lesions in your mouth. 
  • Sore bleeding gums. 
  • Sensitive teeth or feeling pain in your teeth or mouth. 

It can help to take note of these if these symptoms stick around or get worse, as that’s a sign to investigate further. 

Dentists can spot issues early and help prevent bigger problems. They are likely to ask you about your brushing and flossing habits, diet, and any symptoms that you’ve noticed. If you feel comfortable, sharing what drugs you have used with them can help them provide better care. 

They may: 

  • Examine your mouth, gums, teeth, and tongue for signs of decay, infection, or inflammation. 
  • Use dental x-rays to check for cavities, bone loss, or hidden issues.