10News.com

Sustain San Diego
Holiday Gift Guide Button
Sustain San Diego
10 News Leadership Award
San Diego News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters

Health Officials Begin 'Meth Mouth' Campaign

POSTED: 2:17 pm PDT June 22, 2009
UPDATED: 2:19 pm PDT June 22, 2009

A campaign was started Monday by San Diego County health officials to raise awareness about the dangers of methamphetamine use and to encourage addicts to get help.

Through the campaign, dubbed "Meth Mouth," after the unsightly condition that inflicts some meth users, more than 90,000 brochures will be distributed at dental clinics and health resource centers.

The brochures distributed through the campaign encourage people to seek treatment by increasing awareness of the dangers and the signs of meth use, including meth mouth.

Meth mouth results from the acidic nature of the drug, and subsequent cravings for high sugar foods, drinks and gum, that can contribute to widespread tooth decay among users.

"Meth mouth is one of the most obvious physical effects seen in some meth users," said Dianne Jacob, chairwoman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

Jacob was joined by officials from the county Health and Human Services Agency and former meth users at the La Maestra Community Health Centers Dental Clinic in Lemon Grove to announce the start of the campaign.

"Meth mouth often leaves users with enormous dental bills and holes in their mouths," she said. "When in comes to meth, there is nothing to smile about. Meth is death."

According to the county, there were 1,014 meth-related deaths in the San Diego region between 2003 and 2007.
The following are comments from our users. Opinions expressed are neither created nor endorsed by 10News.com. By posting your comments you agree to accept our Terms of Use. To report an offensive or otherwise inappropriate comment, click the "Flag" link that appears beneath that comment. Flagging a comment will send it to our editorial staff for review.

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
You can pick your friends, but not your family -- or your neighbors. Here's what you need to know about how to deal with yours. More

Find out what a sputtering economy and an increasingly difficult to crack job market means to you. More

Are you often tired or rushed in the morning? Give your morning habits a makeover, and start the day feeling positive and energetic instead. More

If you're looking to save on your next new vehicle, a low sticker price is just one aspect. Consider all the costs and make the right decision. More

Sponsored Links

2009 Holidays

With planning, realistic goals and a little bit of luck, stress-free travel with kids over the holidays can be a reality for your family. More