Methamphetamine: Implications for the Dental Team
Periodontal Disease

Methamphetamine users have an increased incidence of periodontal disease.⁵¹ The drug causes vasoconstriction of the vessels that supply blood to the oral tissues. With repeated use of the drug and repeated vasoconstriction, the blood vessels are permanently damaged and the oral tissues die. In addition, lack of proper daily oral hygiene further exacerbates the declining periodontal health (Figure 8).⁵⁰