Teeth Grinding And Jaw Clenching From Adderall Abuse

Adderall is a type of stimulant prescribed to millions of adults and children each year who have an attention deficit disorder (ADD).

One of the main problems with this medication is that it is commonly abused by young people who want to use it as a performance-enhancing drug. Those abusing Adderall are typically looking for ways to stay awake for long periods of time, since the drug has a similar effect on the body as methamphetamine.

How Adderall Abuse Leads To Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching (Bruxism)

Adderall stimulates the central nervous system of the body in the same way as being exposed to a dangerous situation. It increases a person’s heart rate and blood pressure, tightens their muscles, and slows the digestive system.

A person with an attention deficit disorder has a reduced physical response when they take this medication because their brain is wired differently.

But many young people don’t realize this when they start abusing the drug. Bruxism from Adderall usually occurs because of the stress that it causes on a person’s central nervous system.

The stress causes them to grind their teeth or clench their jaw in response, actions that can affect a person’s dental health over time. Even when someone is sleeping, they can experience bruxism from Adderall abuse that causes jaw pain.

Other Dental Side Effects Of Adderall Abuse

Besides teeth grinding and jaw clenching, there are other dental side effects that a person can experience due to Adderall abuse.

The first one is xerostomia, which is a condition where the mouth stays dry because of a reduction in the production of saliva. Saliva is important to dental health because it helps prevent bacteria from sticking to the teeth.

When there isn’t enough saliva in the mouth, there is an increased risk for developing cavities. Worn enamel is another dental side effect of Adderall abuse.

When someone grinds their teeth at night, they remove the top layer of the bony structures, which causes the soft layer underneath to be exposed. This can cause cavities, fractured teeth, and gum infections if the damage isn’t treated properly.

How To Find Treatment For Adderall Abuse

Those who become addicted to Adderall likely didn’t set out to have a drug problem. Instead, they may have felt abusing it a few times to help them stay up late for work or to study for an exam was harmless enough. Over time, abuse may have turned to addiction as they came to rely on Adderall to function.

One way to help addicted individuals is to give them information about addiction treatment so they can enter recovery. Adderall abuse is treatable with the right care and the professional support of a structured treatment program.

To learn more, speak to one of our specialists about addiction treatment facilities that offer care for addiction to Adderall.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff