The pH Levels of different methamphetamine drug samples on the street market in Cape Town
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Date
2011Author
Grobler, Sias Renier
Chikte, Usuf
Westraat, Jaco
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The purpose of this study was to determine the pH levels of 29 different samples of methamphetamine on the street market in
Cape Town. The sample was dissolved in water and the pH of each sample determined. The pH levels varied from 3.02 to 7.03 with
an average of 5.0. Seventy-two percent (21) of the samples had a pH level below the saliva “critical pH point of 5.6” and therefore
should cause significant damage to enamel, especially in hyposalivation subjects without a saliva flow. However, about 26% of the
samples had a pH level close to the neutral point and should cause minor damage to enamel. To lessen enamel damage, subjects
should exercise good oral hygiene practice, rinse with a fluoride-containing mouth rinse, drink artificially sweetened drinks, and
eat cheese. It is concluded that most of the methamphetamine samples have a low enough pH to cause direct damage to enamel
especially in hyposalivation subjects.