Dentistry Today: Should Dentists Report METH Mouth?
Eyewitness News Channel Five Minneapolis/St. Paul has Some want dentists to report ‘meth mouth’
Some law enforcement officials are pushing an idea that would require dentists to report cases of ‘meth mouth.’
The officials want the dentists’ help in identifying methamphetamine users by their poor dental conditions. ‘Meth mouth’ is the appearance of dark spots on the teeth and decay in the roots. The symptom is caused by acid in meth. It also included clenching teeth, craving for sugar, and dry mouth.
The condition costs Minnesota taxpayers thousands of dollars, as many of the people who have it are incarcerated.
So, should dentists have to report this condition to law enforcement?
Flap thinks it will be an unworkable plan.
Better to put the time and effort into interdicting the supplies of methamphetamine from Mexico and treatment programs.
Dr. Nelson Rhodus of the University of Minnesota has studied ‘meth mouth’ and says significant decay can occur within a year of chronic meth use.
“For the benefit of society and ultimately the benefit of the person, I think this should be considered to be a reportable condition,†Rhodus said.
Dentists must currently report seeing child or spousal abuse, or sores from sexually transmitted diseases.
Sen. Julie Rosen of Fairmont says it is the possession of meth that is a crime, not any after affects from using the drug. “If they do call law enforcement, they could come and talk to them. But I don’t think I necessarily want to make it a law,†she said.
Dental bills at some correctional facilities have tripled because of ‘meth mouth,’ and many users are on public assistance.
If the condition is advanced, it can cost $25,000 per person to fix.
Education, interdiction of precursor chemicals used to manufacture meth, foreign interdiction of precurors and manufactured methamphetamine and treatment are worthwhile goals for solving the meth problem.
Dental reporting sounds good but will be ineffective in solving the larger problems.