Silver Spring, Md. – BrainBox Entertainment announced today that
the world premiere of the new hour-long documentary METH: KISS OF
DEATH will air at 10 p.m. Nov. 29 and 1 a.m. Nov. 30 on TLC.
METH: KISS OF DEATH is the first program to thoroughly chronicle
and explain the phenomenon known as “meth-mouth,” the term used to
describe the extreme decay of teeth and gums that is induced by
methamphetamine (commonly referred to as “crystal meth”) use. The
documentary also will show how the dental profession can respond to
this growing problem.
The program explores the lives of several abusers of the drug in
various stages of the condition, as several dentists specializing
in “meth-mouth” treatment evaluate their cases. Using original
footage along with 3D animation, the special transports the viewer
inside the mouths of individuals who will be left toothless as a
result of their addiction.
METH: KISS OF DEATH illustrates the startling side effects of
the drug methamphetamine that accumulate when addicts neglect oral
hygiene. While the drug itself contains several toxic ingredients
including ammonia and lithium, many doctors do not believe that the
chemicals are the main cause for the corrosion of the teeth. The
“meth” user does not brush or floss, nor often hydrate properly –
with the exception of sugary drinks consumed to feed their huge
craving for sweets.
The drug’s reach has penetrated all socio-economic levels
throughout the country, but certain areas seem to be harder hit
than others. METH: KISS OF DEATH introduces past and present
abusers in towns in Georgia, Tennessee, Illinois, and New Mexico,
where dentists have begun to re-focus their practice on this
condition. Dr. Stephen Wagner and Dr. Charles Tatlock have launched
a formal study at the University of New Mexico to investigate the
oral effects of “crystal meth.” “You are seeing a normal decay
process in hyperactive drive,” explains Dr. Wagner. “We are trying
to make the public and the dental profession more aware so we get
to a point where it becomes a treatable problem, or even a
preventable problem. There is life after meth.”
“It’s riveting to see how something like ‘meth-mouth’ knows no
boundaries and can easily strike all walks of life,” said Nick
Panagopulos, BrainBox Entertainment President. “And these dentists,
who are making strides in research and treatments, give hope to
those currently suffering.”
Those profiled in METH: KISS OF DEATH include
– Christie Michaels, a young mother recovering from a 3-year
addiction to methamphetamine at Second Chances, a residential
rehabilitation program for women in Woodstock, Georgia
– Kenneth Moore, who has a 22-year meth addiction and is
currently serving a sentence for a drug-related offense in a rural
Tennessee prison.
– Lisa Vaughn, a New Mexico woman coping with the “meth-mouth”
consequences of her twenty years of being hooked on
methamphetamines.
METH: KISS OF DEATH is produced for TLC by BrainBox
Entertainment, LLC. Pamela Deutsch is Executive Producer for TLC.
Nick Panagopulos is the Executive Producer for BrainBox
Entertainment, LLC.
