Vol. 15 No. 30 (2025): Contexto Odontológico (agosto-diciembre 2025)
Artículos

Oral Manifestations of Methamphetamine Abuse: A Dental Perspective

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  • Marianette Rodríguez-Ortiz
Marianette Rodríguez-Ortiz
Pasante de la Licenciatura de Médico Cirujano Dentista, Unidad Académica de odontología, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, México.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.48775/rco.v15i30.3569

Published 2025-10-16

Keywords

  • Keywords: Methamphetamine, Oral lesions, Drugs, Identification.

Abstract

Addiction to psychoactive substances involves the continuous use of compounds that affect the central nervous system, leading to physical and/or psychological alterations. Methamphetamine abuse, involving a potent and highly addictive psychostimulant, is a severe public health issue characterized by detrimental oral health consequences, commonly known as "meth mouth."Objective: This study aims to identify the oral cavity manifestations in patients who use methamphetamine during dental consultations, thereby understanding their impact on oral health. Development: Individuals with psychoactive substance addiction often exhibit significant neglect of their overall health, particularly their oral health, necessitating considerable dental care. This is further compounded by the frequent presence of behavioral disorders and drug-related infections. Previous studies have demonstrated a correlation between psychoactive substance addiction and a higher prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, and other oral ailments. Conclusion: The presence of specific oral lesions can alert dentists to potential psychoactive substance use by a patient, positioning them as one of the first healthcare professionals to suspect such abuse. However, to properly manage patients who use psychoactive substances, especially methamphetamine, dentists require adequate training.

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