Nosebleeds, Sniffing, and Tooth Decay as Drug Use Signs

… more less Some drugs are snorted, which means sniffed up the nose as a powder. Cocaine, meth, crushed pills, and heroin can all be used this way. Over time this hurts the inside of the nose. You may see a runny nose that never clears, frequent sniffing, rubbing the nose, or nosebleeds. Some people get sores inside the nose. The mouth can show signs too. Stimulants like meth and cocaine dry out the mouth. They can also make a person clench the jaw, grind the teeth, or chew all the time. Long-term meth use is linked with severe tooth decay, broken teeth, and gum disease. Burns or blisters on the lips can come from hot glass pipes. But colds, allergies, dry air, and some medicines also cause runny noses, sniffing, and nosebleeds. Tooth decay is very common in people who cannot afford a dentist or who drink lots of sugary drinks. Stress and some medicines cause teeth grinding. Cold sores can look like lip burns. So treat these as one piece of a bigger picture, not as proof. Write what you saw in plain words. If the person has tooth pain or mouth sores, help them find dental or medical care. After this Concept you can describe nose and mouth signs linked to snorting and stimulants, and name other common causes for each.