Many users of Ecstasy will be familiar with a tight jaw and the grinding of teeth. Innocuous as this might seem, a dangers does exist of doing damage to your teeth. Some research has been done on this (details below).
However, this research, whilst showing that it is a problem, does not offer much information as to under what circumstances the damage takes place. Feedback we have had from users indicates that this is associated with heavy use of E, and can last for a while (few days) after comedown. As we understand it, it is a result of hyper-stimulation of the jaw muscles caused by the dopamine component of Ecstasy use. We also know that it can occur from Speed use as well.
Here are some tips to avoid damaging your teeth:
- Keep some sugar-free chewing gum with you. A small amount will keep your jaw busy and will avoid grinding.
- Avoid knocking back sugar-laced fizzy drinks. This can cause the corrosion of your teeth, especially the exposed dentine referred to below.
The occurrence of toothwear in users of Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine).
Authors: Milosevic A. Agrawal N. Redfearn P. Mair L.
Institution: Department of Clinical Dental Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Liverpool, UK. a.milosevic@liv.ac.ukSource: Community Dentistry & Oral Epidemiology. 27(4):283-7, 1999 Aug.
Abstract: Ecstasy users have reported that dry mouth, jaw tension and tooth grinding were common side effects of its use although the influence of these effects upon toothwear have not been previously investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare incisal and occlusal toothwear in Ecstasy users and a group of non-users of Ecstasy but users of other drugs.
METHODS: Groups were established by a snowball peer information network from visitors to the "drop-in" Maryland Centre in Liverpool. Volunteers completed a questionnaire about social life, drug use and diet. Clinical examination for wear on the incisal edges and on canine tips was conducted with a mirror and probe, whereas occlusal wear was recorded in impressions and subsequently scored from stone replica casts. The degree of toothwear was scored according to the criteria of the Tooth Wear Index (Smith & Knight, Br Dent J 1984;157:16).
RESULTS: Ecstasy users (n = 30) were compared with non-users (n = 28). Toothwear through the enamel into the underlying dentine occurred in 18 (60%). Ecstasy users but in only three (11%) non-users. The overall mean toothwear score in Ecstasy users was 0.63 compared with 0.16 in non-users (t = 4.34, P< 0.001). Dry mouth was reported by 93% of Ecstasy users whilst 89% stated that they clenched or ground their teeth after taking the drug. Tooth grinding commonly continued into the following morning. Carbonated (acidic) beverages were consumed by 93% of the users with a mean of three cans per "trip".
CONCLUSION: The severity of toothwear and the number of teeth affected were greater in Ecstasy users than in a group of non-users. The occlusal surfaces were more commonly affected than the incisal, which may indicate jaw clenching rather than grinding as a feature of Ecstasy-induced muscle hyperactivity.
Take a look at our Q&A on Teeth Grinding as well.
Added 18th July 2000 Disclaimer This Guide is provided for informational purposes ONLY. RaveSafe, it's volunteers and its sponsors do not condone or advocate the use of illegal substances. RaveSafe accepts NO responsibility for the way the information in this used, nor for any harm that might occur from the use of the information contained in this document. Although a concerted effort has been made to ensure the validity of the information contained in this document, no guarantees or assurances of accuracy are provided by anyone. Read and act at your own risk.