Opioid addiction affects millions of people worldwide. Usually, when we think about this disorder, we focus on its effects on the patient’s mental health or the physical health of their vital organs. However, one thing that we often overlook is that substance abuse is a common reason for dental problems. Most people don’t even know there are oral health problems associated with opioid addiction. To help raise awareness, we’ve created a list of common oral health issues related to this type of addiction, and we’ll also share some useful tips for treating them.

The Link Between Opioid Addiction And Oral Health

According to research, the majority of patients suffering from opioid drug addiction have experienced certain oral health issues. About 24% of examined patients were missing all of their teeth, while an even larger percentage had at least a few teeth missing. While some of these issues are directly related to the drugs’ physiological effects, some were mostly associated with the patient’s lifestyle and lack of oral hygiene.

Common Oral Health Problems Associated With Opioid Addiction

The most common oral issues opioid users experience are:

• Dry mouth
• Tooth decay
• Teeth grinding
• Acid reflux.

Dry Mouth – Xerostomia

Xerostomia is one of the most common oral health problems associated with opioid addiction. Frequent opioid consumption causes a significant decrease in saliva production, which often leads to dry mouth. This condition is not only extremely uncomfortable but also quite harmful. Why? Saliva is essential for maintaining dental health. It helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids created by bacteria, and distribute disease-fighting compounds throughout the mouth. So, when the salivary flow is insufficient, you have a much greater risk of gum disease and tooth decay risks.

Tooth Decay

People who struggle with opioid addiction frequently neglect their own needs, which also include their dental hygiene. They quit brushing regularly, using dental floss, and having regular dentist visits. All of this promotes gum disease, tooth decay, and plaque accumulation. Likewise, these problems can be further aggravated by the addiction-related lifestyle, which usually includes a poor diet and lots of sweets.

Teeth Grinding – Bruxism

Teeth grinding, clenching, or gnashing is an oral health issue present in addiction recovery when a patient is experiencing withdrawal. However, it is also linked to psychosocial elements like stress, anxiety, depression, and discomfort. Severe types of bruxism can result in tooth damage, jaw pain, exhaustion, and headaches.

Acid Reflux

Increased episodes of acid reflux can be a common result of opioid addiction. This drug can potentially relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the frequency with which stomach acid refluxes back into the esophagus. Besides hurting and irritating your stomach and causing heartburn, that can also have a negative impact on dental health. The stomach acid’s corrosive properties can damage teeth’s enamel, while high acidity can increase the risk of gum disease. Acid reflux and opioid addiction might eventually cause serious oral health issues.

Starting The Recovery

Unless a person stops taking opioids, no dental treatment will be able to stop the progression of their dental issues. In order to ultimately resolve dental issues, the first thing you need to do is begin the detox process.

When you stop using opioids, you can experience severe withdrawal symptoms. They include vomiting, muscle pains, shaking, diarrhea, and even seizures. That is why attempting to detox at home is not the best choice. Instead, it is better to seek help from a drug rehab center, where they can detox under medical supervision and proceed to other phases of the addiction treatment.

Addressing Oral Health Problems In Recovery

After they undergo detox, people who are beginning their recovery should schedule an appointment with a local dentist. A reputable dentist should assess the current state of their dental health and recommend a plan for the future. They can also thoroughly clean or treat burning issues like a cavity or broken tooth.

After this initial step, it’s important to re-establish and maintain good dental hygiene. It is important to start a regular oral hygiene regimen consisting of using an antimicrobial mouthwash, flossing once a day, and brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. These habits aid in the prevention of gum disease and plaque accumulation. Aside from this, patients should drink a lot of water to alleviate dry mouth and avoid sugary foods to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Staying Committed To Recovery

Addiction recovery is a long and challenging process. You need to stay committed to it in order to start building a better life. While dental health issues may not seem like the top priority during that process, keep in mind thatpoor oral hygiene can contribute to many other health concerns over time. Being committed to a healthy lifestyle promotes better mental health and improved quality of life for you and your loved ones. Proper medical care, therapy, and support groups can offer the motivation and resources you need to continue your recovery journey.

Final Thoughts

Teeth are one of the first things you see when you meet someone and play a big part in first impressions. Not only that: dental problems can cause severe health problems, when not properly treated. Maintaining good dental health should be a top priority for all of us: it’s just as important as exercising or eating healthy. However, if a person is struggling with opioid addiction, they need to prioritize their dental health even more, as there are many oral health problems associated with opioid addiction. Establishing good dental hygiene and booking an appointment with a reputable dentist as soon as possible is a must.

Resources: https://bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12903-018-0691-3