Medical History Mysteries: Suboxone and dental caries

May 19, 2022

Illicit drugs can increase the risk for dental disease. However, the drugs that can help prevent opioid relapse can further increase patients’ risk for tooth decay. What can dental professionals do?

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

Welcome to Medical History Mysteries, where we dissect our patients’ medical histories and figure out how best to treat them from the dental chair.

Drugs like Suboxone have been linked to an increased risk of tooth decay. Is that true? The complexity is that illicit drugs our patients may be addicted to can increase the risk for dental disease. But those same drugs that can help prevent opioid relapse can further increase their risk.

What are the oral side effects of drugs like Suboxone, and how can dental professionals help patients with their struggle to beat addiction? Join us in this episode of Medical History Mysteries.

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Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Through the Loupes newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe to Through the Loupes.

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].

About the Author

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

With more than 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker, and published author, Tom Viola, RPh, CCP, has earned the reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for dental teams. He is the founder of Pharmacology Declassified and is a member of the faculty of more than 10 dental professional degree programs. Viola has contributed to several professional journals and pharmacology textbooks, and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs.