Cocaine, a powerful stimulant derived from the coca plant, is commonly associated with various methods of consumption, such as snorting or smoking. However, a less understood practice involves applying cocaine directly to the teeth or gums. This application is not without its reasons, though often rooted in misconceptions about the drug’s effects and safety. Understanding why individuals engage in this behavior, and the subsequent health consequences, provides a clearer picture of cocaine’s impact.
The Immediate Numbing Effect
One of the primary reasons individuals apply cocaine to their teeth or gums is due to its potent local anesthetic properties. Cocaine acts as a sodium channel blocker, interfering with the transmission of pain signals along nerve fibers. This prevents nerve impulses from reaching the brain, resulting in a numbing sensation in the applied area, similar to what one might experience at a dentist’s office with a local anesthetic.
Historically, cocaine was utilized in medicine for its anesthetic quality. In the late 19th century, it gained prominence as a local anesthetic, particularly in ophthalmology and for procedures involving the ear, nose, and throat. This historical medical application provides context for why some users might seek its numbing effect when applied orally.
Other Perceived Reasons for Oral Application
Beyond the numbing sensation, other motivations, often misguided, contribute to the oral application of cocaine. Some users apply it to “test” its purity, believing a stronger numbing effect indicates a higher quality. Dealers may exploit this by cutting cocaine with other anesthetics, such as lidocaine or procaine, to mimic the sensation, misleading users about the actual purity and potential dangers.
There is also a misconception that applying cocaine to the gums or teeth is a “safer” alternative to other methods like snorting, especially if nasal passages are irritated or damaged. This belief is incorrect, as oral application still exposes users to significant health risks and systemic absorption. Some individuals may also perceive a different onset or type of “high” through oral absorption, though scientific evidence does not support a substantially different or safer effect.
Specific Oral and Dental Damage
Directly applying cocaine to the mouth, teeth, and gums causes specific and significant localized damage. Cocaine is highly acidic, and when mixed with saliva, it corrodes tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity, cavities, and severe tooth decay. This erosion can expose the underlying dentin, making teeth more vulnerable to decay.
The drug’s vasoconstrictive properties reduce blood flow to the gum tissues, contributing to gum recession, inflammation, and advanced gum disease. Prolonged reduced blood flow can lead to oral lesions, ulcers, and osteonecrosis of the jawbone. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching, common side effects of cocaine use, can further wear down teeth and lead to jaw pain and damage to the temporomandibular joint.
Systemic Health Risks from Oral Absorption
Cocaine is readily absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth directly into the bloodstream, leading to systemic effects. While the onset of effects might be slightly delayed compared to smoking or intravenous injection, peak plasma concentrations can be similar to other routes of administration. Oral application does not negate or significantly reduce the overall health dangers of cocaine use.
The absorbed cocaine can lead to severe cardiovascular risks, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, heart attack, and stroke. Cocaine also produces neurological effects such as seizures and tremors. Psychological effects, including paranoia, anxiety, irritability, and a high potential for addiction, are common. Oral application still carries a risk of overdose, especially if impure or combined with other substances like fentanyl.