Suboxone and Tooth Decay Injuries
Recent reports have raised concerns about the link between Suboxone use and tooth decay. The acidic nature of Suboxone, particularly the sublingual films and tablets that dissolve in the mouth, may contribute to dental problems such as tooth decay, tooth loss, infections, and other dental injuries. Patients who have used Suboxone for an extended period have reported experiencing severe dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, and the need for tooth extractions.
In January 2022, the FDA issued a warning highlighting more than 300 cases of tooth decay and dental problems linked to Suboxone and other buprenorphine drugs dissolved in the mouth to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) and pain. These dental problems have been observed in patients as young as 18 years old and in those with no history of dental issues, with some experiencing dental damage just weeks after starting treatment.
In light of these issues, the FDA at that time required a new warning about the risk of dental problems to be added to the prescribing information and the Medication Guide for all buprenorphine-containing medicines dissolved in the mouth.