Cocaine is often used as a recreational drug, and as many as 5 million Americans use it each year. While it is known that Cocaine is a powerful stimulant, many people don’t realize that it can also have destructive effects on oral health. Therefore it is extremely important for those who are considering using it to fully understand the potential risks of doing so. The effect of cocaine on gums, teeth, your facial structure, and the ability to undergo dental procedures is well-documented and extensive. In this article, we will discuss the effects of cocaine on oral health and what that means for patients visiting the dentist.
How Does Cocaine Affect Your Mouth?
A Hole in the Roof of Your Mouth (Palatal Perforation)
Palatal Perforation, or a hole in the roof of your mouth, is one of the most serious side effects of cocaine use. This condition is caused by cocaine eroding the tissue in your mouth. Typically, the erosion first begins in the nose and then extends to the roof of your mouth. Palatal perforation can cause serious problems with eating, speaking, and breathing.
If you suspect that you have a palatal perforation, it is important to see a dentist or ENT specialist right away. Typically, there are two treatment options for palatal perforation, surgery and covering it with a prosthetic.
Palatal perforations can sometimes be repaired with surgery but have been known to fail up to 50% of the time. Therefore, the sooner you get treatment, the better your chances are for a successful outcome. These surgeries are also only attempted after a cocaine user has stopped using for at least 1 year since cocaine use can often re-open the surgical site.
The other option for treating a palatal perforation is to cover it with a maxillary obturator. This is a type of dental prosthetic that is used to close the hole in the roof of your mouth. The maxillary obturator is a custom-made device, that is often adjusted multiple times so that it fits snugly over the hole.
Increased Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Cocaine use can also lead to increased teeth grinding (bruxism). Bruxism is a condition that causes you to grind or clench your teeth. This can happen during the day or at night. When you grind your teeth, it puts extra pressure on them which can lead to dental problems such as the wearing away of your enamel.
If you notice that you are grinding your teeth, it is important to see a dentist right away. They can help you find the cause of your bruxism and recommend treatments to help stop the problem. In some cases, they may also recommend getting a nightguard to wear while you sleep. A nightguard is a type of mouthguard that helps protect your teeth from grinding and clenching.
Gingival Lesions (Gum Damage)
In those who used cocaine on gums, cocaine-induced gingival lesions were the most commonly reported side effect. These lesions are caused by cocaine damaging the gum tissue. The damage to the gums can range from mild to severe. In some cases, the gums may even bleed or become ulcerated. Ulcerations are a type of lesion that is open and has a crater-shaped appearance.
Gingival lesions are often painful and can make it difficult to eat or speak. If left to continue, gingival lesions can also lead to the exposure of gums. Luckily, once cocaine use is stopped, gingival lesions will typically heal on their own. However, in some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the damaged tissue.
More Acidic Saliva
Cocaine has been shown to have two effects on saliva. First, cocaine use can cause your saliva to become more acidic. This increased acidity can lead to tooth decay and even change the appearance of your teeth to a glassy look. Over time, this acidity will also begin to break down your enamel which can lead to tooth sensitivity and pain.
Second, cocaine use can also decrease your production of saliva. This is problematic because saliva helps protect your teeth from decay by washing away food and bacteria. A decrease in saliva can also lead to dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable and lead to other dental problems.
Difficulty Numbing The Mouth
Cocaine use can also make it difficult to numb the mouth with local anesthesia. This is because cocaine can act in a similar way to local anesthetics, which will interfere with the way that it works. Additionally, local anesthetics often contain epinephrine, which cocaine can also interact with to have unintended consequences
This can be problematic because it can make dental procedures more difficult and even dangerous. If you are a cocaine user, it is important to tell your dentist so that they can take the necessary precautions. Typically, this means waiting a certain amount of time after your last cocaine use before having the procedure done.
Should You Tell Your Dentist If You Have Used Cocaine?
Yes, you should always tell your dentist if you have used cocaine or any other drug for that matter. This is because cocaine and other drugs can interact with the anesthesia used in dental procedures. Failing to disclose this information could result in serious complications.
Additionally, a dentist can you this information to have an open-minded conversation about your cocaine habits and how they could affect your oral and overall health. This conversation could be used to inform potential treatments in your mouth. They could also make sure that you have a full understanding of the pros and cons of cocaine use.
At the end of the day, the choice to use cocaine or not is completely up to you. Dentists will always act as advisors and give you all the pros and cons of every action you take. From there, it is up to you to make the decision that you believe is best for yourself. A dentist will not judge you for your choice to use cocaine nor will they try to force you to stop. They also will respect your right to privacy and will not tell anyone else about your cocaine habits unless you give them permission to do so or there are serious concerns about your safety.
At the end of the day, dentist-patient relationships are built on trust. So, if you don’t want your dentist to know that you use cocaine, there’s not much they can do about it. However, it is important to be honest with your dentist about your habits so that they can help you take care of your oral health.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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