Does Methadone cause tooth decay?

[tori1701]

I have been on 70 mg of Methadone daily for a  and a half now.  I currently had to have a tooth pulled and 3 other fillings done. (I will still have 5 minor cavities filled in two weeks.  My teeth have never been perfect but this seem excessive.  I've heard that methadone may be responsible for my tooth decay???  Is this true???  And if so, why???

[dede2121]

coming from a nurse.....yes it does.

[bmdad]

It true that using opiates for an extended period of time will lead to dental problems. From what I've heard is that is has to do with the saliva in your mouth. Opiates cause a reduction of saliva. It's not so much the methadone directly causing it but indirectly by the lack of saliva. Saliva helps wash away bacteria in your mouth so lack of saliva will cause more plaque buildup due to the extra bacteria.

There are some things that help such as brushing your teeth throughout the day. Floss after each meal and before bed. Chew sugar free gum. Be sure you are drinking plenty of water. Also use mouthwash throughout the day. There's a product called Biotene that makes dry mouth products. They make a mouthwash and also a gum. Most pharmacies carry it.

Although I have never been on methadone I did abuse my pain meds in the past. A few years ago I ended up having to get root canal and kinda thought that it was due to the opiates. That's when I researched and found out about Biotene and have been using the mouthwash and gum since. I haven't had any other problems. I'm not sure if the root canal was due to the opiates but I wasn't gonna take a chance.

I noticed you're from Granite City. I'm a Union Boilermaker and I sometimes have to travel for work. I worked at a steel mill down there a few years back. I from up around Peoria.

Brian

[Dav125]

I think your on to something that is not mentioned in warnings or discussed much. I believe there is a correlation as I have had all kinds of dental problems this past year with fillings popping out, teeth fracturing which required a couple of them to be pulled, and a crown that got loose 3 times with this last time taking a small piece of tooth with it making it useless to use anymore..There is another individual in here who is having the same problems..We both have been on oxycontin along with percocets for awhile (longer than a year)

Yes, I believe long term opiate use leads to dental problems...