What Is Coke Jaw? Causes And Side Effects

Coke jaw is a common side effect of cocaine abuse. People who use cocaine will display unusual and erratic movements of the jaw.

This is what is described as “coke jaw,” one of the common effects of cocaine abuse.

Coke jaw usually looks like:

• moving jaws from side to side
• jaw clenching

Coke jaw can be referred to together with “coke mouth,” another slang term for cocaine use. This describes all the effects on the mouth and jaw area from the use of cocaine.

The constant moving and grinding of the jaw can cause dehydration and limited use of the mouth.

Causes Of Coke Jaw

Coke jaw occurs as a result of snorting, smoking, or rubbing cocaine on your gums, which are all common routes of cocaine administration.

Cocaine, like MDMA and methamphetamine, is a stimulant drug that speeds up many processes in your entire body.

When cocaine is rubbed directly into the gums, the jaw becomes especially affected.

Once ingested, cocaine supplies a quick rush of energy and euphoria. The body will feel an onset of many hyperactive and potentially dangerous short-term effects from cocaine.

Along with coke jaw, other short-term effects are:

• nosebleeds
• runny nose
• increased heart rate and blood pressure
• constricted blood vessels
• cravings
• cocaine eyes (dilated pupils)
• mood swings

Coke jaw can also be a long-term effect of cocaine abuse. People with a long history of cocaine use can have coke jaw, even while not under the influence of cocaine.

Some other long-term effects of cocaine use are:

• damaged mental health
• cocaine-induced psychosis
• coke bloat
• chemical dependency
• hepatitis C
• weight loss
• cocaine nose

Coke Jaw Side Effects

The erratic moving and constant clenching of the jaw pose many serious and uncomfortable health problems.

Along with jaw defects, the mouth is affected, which can hurt the rest of your body’s normal functions.

Jaw Pain

Cocaine use can cause someone to have overwhelming amounts of energy. When these feelings turn into anxiety, many will clench their jaws for long periods of time.

Sometimes, jaw clenching is done absentmindedly. The prolonged tightening, clenching, and grinding of the jaw will cause jaw pain, even when cocaine leaves your system.

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

TMD is used to cover a wide range of conditions related to jaw joints. Coke jaw will cause an uncontrollable amount of jaw movement.

Symptoms of TMD are high among people who use cocaine.

Signs and symptoms of TMD are:

• limited use of the mouth, including opening and closing range
• clicking or popping of the jaw
• jaw joint pain
• severe headaches
• tenderness in the face muscles
• palpitations in the face

Teeth-Grinding

The grinding of the jaw will also cause excessive teeth grinding, which is known as bruxism, a teeth-grinding disorder.

Some experience this disorder even without cocaine. Cocaine’s effects heighten this common habit, causing extreme teeth grinding.

Teeth-grinding can lead to:

• cavities
• brittle or broken teeth
• worn down teeth enamel

Coke Mouth

Coke jaw is just one of the many mouth, throat, and jaw defects that habitual cocaine use can cause.

“Coke mouth” is an umbrella term used to describe all oral problems from cocaine use.

Signs and symptoms of coke mouth:

• Perforation of the oral palate: Constantly snorting cocaine deteriorates the roof of the mouth. This can make it difficult to swallow, eat, and even speak.
• Dry mouth: Cocaine, especially crack cocaine, can cause a reduction in saliva flow. Oral dryness can lead to tooth decay, bleeding gums, and gum disease.
• Dental erosion: Cocaine is very high in acidity and bacteria, especially when cocaine is cut with other substances. This can eat away at the necessary hard tissue that coats teeth.
• Periodontitis: rubbing cocaine directly onto the gums is very common, but this can cause inflammation and periodontal disease. Teeth can also fall out as a result.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment In Massachusetts

The best way to treat coke jaw is through cocaine addiction treatment. This can include detox for cocaine withdrawal symptoms, therapy, and 12-step support group meetings.

If you or a loved one are ready to get help for substance use, we at Spring Hill Recovery Center can help you find an inpatient drug rehab program in Massachusetts.

Reach out to a specialist today to learn more about treating drug use disorders.