The Risks of Suboxone Use That People Need to Know About

Suboxone has helped thousands of people overcome opioid addiction by easing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. However, recent reports and lawsuits have revealed a hidden danger associated with its use—serious dental problems, including severe tooth decay. Individuals who have experienced dental damage after taking the drug may benefit from consulting a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Attorney to understand their legal rights and options.

While Suboxone can be an effective tool in addiction recovery, users should be aware of its potential side effects and the steps they can take to protect their health.

What Is Suboxone and How Does It Work?

Suboxone is a prescription medication that combines two main ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone.

• Buprenorphine helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings without causing the intense “high” linked to opioids like heroin or oxycodone.

• Naloxone discourages misuse—if someone attempts to inject Suboxone, naloxone triggers withdrawal symptoms to deter abuse.

When taken as directed, Suboxone is placed under the tongue or inside the cheek as a thin dissolvable strip, known as a sublingual film. This method allows the medicine to enter the bloodstream quickly. However, it also exposes the mouth to an acidic environment that can harm teeth and gums.

How Suboxone Can Affect Dental Health

The sublingual film form of Suboxone has a pH level of around 3.4, making it highly acidic. Prolonged exposure to this acidity can wear down tooth enamel—the protective outer layer of the teeth—leading to:

• Enamel erosion

• Cavities and tooth decay

• Gum inflammation or gum disease

• Tooth sensitivity

• Bad breath or unpleasant taste

Many patients have reported developing dental issues such as discoloration, visible holes in their teeth, and tooth loss after long-term Suboxone use. These problems often appeared even in individuals who maintained good oral hygiene before starting the medication.

Why These Problems Occur

Two main factors contribute to Suboxone-related dental damage:

1. Acidity of the Film: The low pH weakens tooth enamel and makes it easier for decay to form.

2. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Suboxone can reduce saliva production. Saliva helps neutralize acid, wash away bacteria, and repair minor enamel damage. Without it, teeth become more vulnerable to decay and infection.

Together, these factors create an environment in which even routine dental care may not fully protect against tooth decay.

Early Signs of Dental Damage

Recognizing dental issues early can help prevent serious complications. Warning signs to look out for include:

• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods

• Discoloration or dark spots on the teeth

• Pain when biting or chewing

• Persistent bad breath

• Gum irritation or bleeding

Anyone using Suboxone who experiences these symptoms should see a dentist immediately and inform them about their medication use.

Protecting Your Oral Health While Using Suboxone

If you’re currently prescribed Suboxone, you can reduce your dental risk by:

• Brushing with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day

• Flossing daily

• Drinking plenty of water to counteract dry mouth

• Avoiding sugary or acidic foods and beverages

• Rinsing your mouth with water after each dose

• Scheduling regular dental checkups and discussing your Suboxone use with your dentist

These preventive measures can help reduce enamel erosion and slow the progression of decay.

Legal Options for Affected Patients

Many patients have filed lawsuits against Suboxone’s manufacturer, Indivior, claiming the company failed to warn doctors and consumers about the drug’s dental risks. Individuals who used Suboxone before 2022—when warning labels were updated—and suffered significant dental issues may be eligible for compensation.

Potential compensation can cover dental expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and future medical treatment costs. In some cases, courts may also award punitive damages if the manufacturer’s negligence is proven.

Conclusion

Suboxone can be life-changing for those recovering from opioid addiction, but its risks—especially dental—should not be ignored. Understanding how the medication affects oral health allows users to take preventive steps and seek help when needed.

If you have suffered from severe tooth decay, gum disease, or other dental injuries after using Suboxone, speaking with a qualified attorney can help you explore your legal rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Staying informed is the first step toward protecting both your health and your future.