Treatment
Meth mouth is very difficult to treat unless the patient ceases using methamphetamine; persistent drug use makes changes in hygiene or nutrition practices unlikely. Many drug users lack access to dental treatment, and few are willing to participate in such a course of action, often because of poverty. Those who are willing to seek dental treatment often resist discussing their drug use. Providing dental treatment to individuals who use methamphetamine can also be dangerous, because the potential combination of local anesthetic and methamphetamine can cause serious cardiac problems. There is also an increased risk of serious side effects if opioid medications are used in the patient's treatment.
Treatment of meth mouth usually consists of attempts to increase salivary flow, halt tooth decay, and encourage behavioral changes. Toothpaste with fluoride is very important to the restoration of dental health. Only prescription fluoride rinses can adequately treat the condition. Sialogogues, drugs that increase the amount of saliva in the mouth, can be used to treat xerostomia and protect against dental health problems. Pilocarpine and cevimeline, sialogogues that are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to treat hyposalivation caused by Sjogren's syndrome, may have the potential to effectively treat methamphetamine-caused xerostomia.
Education about oral hygiene for long-term methamphetamine users is sometimes required. Changes in diet are often necessary for recovering drug users that are receiving dental treatment, and the use of sugar-free gum may be beneficial. The consumption of water and the avoidance of beverages with a diuretic (dehydrating) effect can also help patients with meth mouth.
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