Begin with Your Smile!

We’d be unrealistic to ignore the fact that some people use illegal drugs. Aside from all the social and legal issues, there are very real health dangers when it comes to dental care.

Cocaine use and local anesthesia don’t mix. There is a marked increase in heart rate and blood pressure that puts a cocaine user at risk in the dental chair. This is an emergency situation we would like to avoid.

Outside of our concerns during treatment, users have other unkind dental habits. They grind their teeth relentlessly. This is not good for expensive restorations. Cocaine, amphetamines and marijuana make the mouth very dry. Despite the best of hygiene habits, this sets you up for a tremendous increase in cavities and gum disease.

You may know someone involved in drug use. Please share this information with them. If just one person stops and thinks twice, we may have helped.