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Oral health effects of ecstasy (MDMA) and methamphetamine: a narrative review

Lily-Rose Newell1,2, Kevin-John Fouillen1,2,3, Marie Orliaguet1,2,4

  • 1Brest Faculty of Dentistry, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France.

Frontiers in Oral Health
|September 29, 2025
PubMed

Insights

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and methamphetamine (MA) significantly harm oral health, causing dry mouth, tooth decay, and gum disease. Dental professionals must recognize these drug-induced oral health issues.

Area of Science:

  • Dentistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), or ecstasy, is a widely used psychostimulant with significant oral health implications.
  • Methamphetamine (MA) shares pharmacological similarities with MDMA, leading to overlapping oral health problems.
  • Young adults are a key demographic for MDMA consumption, highlighting a public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the oral health effects of MDMA.
  • To compare MDMA's oral manifestations with those of methamphetamine (MA).
  • To inform dental professionals about drug-related oral health issues.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on MDMA and methamphetamine oral health impacts.
  • Analysis of pharmacological effects and documented oral manifestations.
  • Synthesis of information on xerostomia, bruxism, tooth wear, and periodontal disease.

Main Results:

  • MDMA use is strongly linked to xerostomia (dry mouth), increasing risks of cavities and tooth wear.
  • Bruxism and jaw clenching associated with MDMA contribute to temporomandibular joint dysfunction and dental lesions.
  • Periodontitis, soft tissue damage, and unique decay patterns are observed, often exacerbated by poor hygiene and poly-drug use.

Conclusions:

  • MDMA and MA pose significant risks to oral health.
  • Xerostomia, bruxism, and periodontal disease are key oral manifestations.
  • Dental practitioners require awareness to manage oral health issues in users of these substances.
Keywords:
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamineMDMA, ecstasyMethamphetaminedrug abuse and oral cavitymeth mouthxerostomia

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