Does Methadone Cause Cavities or Tooth Decay ?
Question by joann_m78: Does methadone cause cavities or tooth decay ?
I am using methadone for pain relief and the last time I went to the dentist I had 9 cavities. I take very good care of my teeth I brush 3 times a day, I floss daily and I would like to know if methadone contributes to tooth decay ?
Best answer:
Answer by Dr H
do you eat candy or drink soda?
those things CAUSE decay!
brushing your teeth and flossing removes the sugar from your teeth.
Get rid of the cause!
Most medications cause dry mouth. A dryer mouth prevents the saliva from washing away sugar in the mouth making you more PRONE to decay but does not CAUSE decay. Refined sugar still causes decay!
Answer by qtpie20121
There is a myth that Methadone rots your teeth but it is just that …a myth. Methadone in and of itself does not cause tooth decay however some of the common side effects with methadone can lead to decay such as dry mouth (as the previous poster noted), craving sweets (not all people get this but some do and researchers theorize it is related to the “pleasure pathway” relationship with Methadone but they aren’t sure), and there has been a link between increased dental care for addicts/pain patients after the Methadone begins to relieve withdrawal or pain (because most of us do not seek dental care when we are in dire pain therefore seeking a dentist after we feel better only to discover we have decay which is from years of neglect but we attribute it to the recent Methadone we are on). There are suggestions many doctors will make to help with this when they prescribe Methadone such as watching sweets and being aware that we may be craving more sweets, chewing sugar free gum for dry mouth will help , additional brushing if you do eat sweets and there is even a version of Methadone called “Vitadone” that claims it has decreased sugar cravings associated with it but I believe this is only for those being treated for addiction.
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