“These Are Your Teeth on Drugs” - Dental Scare Tactics
Editorial
by Jim Du Molin
It’s hardly breaking news that there is an epidemic of methamphetamine usage across the USA. It’s also no surprise that meth takes 
a toll on society in general and on users’ bodies in particular. Your typical meth user is hardly the picture of perfect physical health; the drug’s effects can be seen on skin clarity, muscle tone, and dental health.
“Meth mouth” refers to the rapid tooth decay often associated with methamphetamine use. By educating children (and showing them appalling pictures of rotten teeth and gums), lawmakers are hoping to discourage meth use among teens. Representatives Brian Baird (D-Wash) and John Sullivan (R-Okla) have introduced a Congressional bill to develop a meth prevention program with grants for dentists and educators.
By focusing on oral health and cosmetic concerns, lawmakers hope to scare potential first-time users. According to the ADA, a number of factors make meth particularly damaging to users’ smiles: it’s an acidic drug that dries the mouth and often leads to grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw. (The poor diet and health habits of most users don’t help, either.) What’s more, methamphetamines can take a serious dental toll within a few short months.
Clearly, something has to be done to keep kids off meth. So why not leverage their vanity to keep them healthy? Sounds like a good plan to me! What do you think? Read more or post your comments below!;/font>
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August 19th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Drug addiction is a brain disease. There has never been any evidence to support scare tactics as a way to keep children off drugs. By the very nature of the definition of addiction-i.e. the repetitive use of substances knowing the dangers- this approach is doomed to failure. Identifying the users and getting them sound psychoogical help will be more beneficial long term.
September 12th, 2007 at 6:38 am
Are you kidding? Its not a brain disease until it gets into your brain. The blatently obvious point is to scare potential addicts from ever TRYING it.
September 12th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Sorry Joe, but i have to agree with
Joanne on this one…..scare tactics only make it that more enticing to kids to try stuff. Addiiction and drug use is because of emotional problems and the way the brain is wired to trigger the addiction once use has started….works the same with tobacco, alcohol and RX meds. Karen
September 24th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
I agree, I think this is for preemptive scare. The old story “smoke a joint and you’ll die a heroin addict in a dumpster” clearly lack the evidence and credibility.
But these images, showing progression over time, are frightening<a href=”http://www.facesofmeth.us/main.htm” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.facesofmeth.us/main.htm</a>