Did You Experience Tooth Decay Following Suboxone Use?
Photo Credit: Unsplash | Published: January 6, 2024
Claim Form Deadline: Ongoing
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Did You Experience Tooth Decay Following Suboxone Use?
Attorneys are investigating claims that patients who have been prescribed Suboxone have been experiencing serious dental injuries including tooth decay, lost or broken teeth, dental infections, cavities, root canals, loss of tooth enamel and more.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a prescription medication that plays a vital role in the treatment of opioid addiction. Suboxone is a critical medication in the treatment of opioid addiction, helping individuals manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It is a combination of two active ingredients: Buprenorphine/naloxone, and Suboxone is sold under this brand name, among other brand names, or generic drugs that are equivalent. Typically, Suboxone is a fixed-dose combination medication that includes buprenorphine and naloxone.
• Buprenorphine This is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates the opioid receptors in the brain but to a lesser degree than full opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers. It helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for individuals to transition away from full opioids.
• Naloxone This is an opioid antagonist, which means it blocks the effects of opioids. It's included in Suboxone to deter misuse. If Suboxone is injected or misused intravenously, the Naloxone can trigger withdrawal symptoms, discouraging abuse.
Suboxone is crucial for individuals dealing with opioid addiction because it helps them manage their addiction and withdrawal symptoms, making the process of recovery more manageable. It allows them to stabilize their lives, participate in therapy, and work towards long-term recovery. Suboxone is considered a safer alternative to the opioids people may have been using, reducing the risk of overdose and death, which has been the subject of a mass drug and opioid crisis in the United States for decades now, leading to one of the biggest open class action settlements of all time, a $54 Billion Settlement. Read more about it here, in a class action settlement involving large retailers and pharmacy chains CVS and Walgreens.
How Does Suboxone Cause Tooth Decay?
There are a few indirect factors that may contribute to dental issues for individuals taking Suboxone or other medications for opioid addiction:
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) Opioids, including buprenorphine in Suboxone, can cause dry mouth as a side effect. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by neutralizing acids and helping to prevent tooth decay. Reduced saliva production can contribute to an increased risk of cavities and other dental problems.
• Poor Oral Hygiene Opioid addiction, in general, can lead to neglect of personal hygiene, including oral hygiene. Individuals struggling with addiction may be less likely to brush their teeth regularly, floss, or seek regular dental care.
• Dietary Habits People with opioid addiction may experience changes in their dietary habits, including an increased consumption of sugary or acidic foods and beverages. These dietary choices can contribute to tooth decay.
• Overall Health Issues Opioid addiction can have various negative effects on overall health, and dental health is often neglected during periods of substance abuse.
Of course, not everyone taking Suboxone has experienced these issues around tooth decay. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate the potential dental effects associated with opioid addiction and its treatment, including with Suboxone.
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