"Meth Mouth": Rampant Caries in Methamphetamine Abusers

Abstract

Rampant dental caries is a characteristic finding in methamphetamine abusers. The popularity of methamphetamine, particularly among the gay community where it is linked to the spread of HIV, its ready availability, and rapid spread across the nation have placed methamphetamine use in an epidemic status in many communities unaccustomed to dealing with drug abuse. We present a case of a 25-year-old male "meth" abuser of unknown HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) status to promote recognition by the health care team of the association of rampant dental caries with methamphetamine abuse for appropriate intervention to ensure successful treatment and prevention of disease progression.