Name a health consequence of long-term methamphetamine use.

Severe dental problems commonly referred to as "meth mouth" is a well-documented health consequence of long-term methamphetamine use. This term describes the severe oral health issues that are prevalent among meth users, which include rampant tooth decay, gum disease, and significant tooth loss.

Methamphetamine is known to cause dry mouth, which reduces saliva production. Saliva is crucial for maintaining oral health because it helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, wash away food particles, and provide disease-fighting substances. When saliva production is reduced, the risk of tooth decay increases significantly. Furthermore, many meth users neglect personal hygiene and may consume sugary foods or drinks to combat the drug's appetite-suppressing effects, further exacerbating dental issues. This combination of factors leads to dramatic and often irreversible damage to teeth and gums, marking "meth mouth" as a defining consequence of methamphetamine abuse.

While cardiovascular complications, eye diseases like glaucoma, and hepatitis C infection can all be serious health concerns, they are not as directly associated with long-term meth use as the dental problems. These other health consequences may arise from different factors or drugs but are less closely linked to the specific effects of methamphetamine on the body.