Does chewing Oxycontin effect your teeth?

Answer 1

Long term opiate use is known to cause dental problems, though I've never been able to get a straight answer from doctor or dentist as to why. It's believed that it's due to the opiate's effect on the saliva (dry mouth), which in turn alters the natural protection it gives to the teeth. Though I've been a high-dose, long term opiate patient for many years, it only took about 3 years for enough damage to happen to my upper teeth (between canines) that it required them all to have root canals and crowns. The softening damage to the tooth enamel was evident (it can be seen near the gums as a whitish area).

Recently, the product ACT has come out with an additive in their regular fluoride rinse that contains an enamel-strengthening agent. Other manufacturers have followed suit.

The other thing to consider is that most people (myself included) who are long-term opiate users are usually chronic pain patients, and as such spend a good deal of time in bed. That means there are days you just don't feel like doing the twice daily brushing routine, so that can have an effect as well.

Answer 2

Yes due to the fact that you are supposed to swallow it whole, that when you chew it, the oxycontin wraps around your teeth and stays there for days even. it is intended to be swallowed, and is expected to dissolve in the lower intestine. So having the pill pass thru the stomach, those are some strong acid dissolving fluids. i have always chewed my meds. then, in a years time I noticed a butter flavor in my mouth. Then I noticed the back tooth was dissolving. This is one of the teeth that the oxycontin love to wrap itself around. took all day and sometime two days to get it off or if I brushed with a stiff toothbrush. I did not drink water. I just would chew then swallow Sometimes I would wash it down with coke. which would stay on the tooth, because the oxycontin would be there it would suck up the coke. wala soft rotting teeth.

I just was precribed the oxycontin just under two years ago. Never had this problem with my teeth before.I noticed tonight that all my teeth are soft. the sad part is that all that is left will have to be cut out. I did take very goocare of my teeth too.

hope this helps.

Answer 3

Yes. I was hit by a drunk driver while riding my motorcycle. Sever trauma all over my body. Was in the hospital for over 1 year. I have been taking oxycotin, starting with 80 mg then 60 mg and now ten years later down to 40 mg. Approximately 5 years ago i started having problems with my teeth. All of a sudden, they started crumbling.

I spoke with my doctor and dentist and both agreed the long time effect is what caused my tooth decay.

Answer 4

It depends on how much you are taking. Usually people who over do it with pain killers tend to not eat right and forget to brush their teeth.

There are also small particles in some drugs that can be harmful to your body if they are used more than necessary or are misused by means other than by taking orally and going through the acids in your stomach to help break them down.