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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Prolonged Intake Of Hydromorphone Cause Dental Problems?

Does taking Hydromorphone 4 mg (Dilaudid) for an extend period of time (3 years) cause dental problems? I went to the dentist and they accused me of being on recreational drugs, which I am not, due to the condition of my teeth. I lost 7.5 teeth within a 6 month period. They seem really soft and just crumble. The only thing I can seem to trace it back to is the Dilaudid that would be close to a recreational drug. I suffer from Chronic Pain Syndrome and have a Spinal Cord Stimulator in place that has cut down on my pain about 60-70%. I was slowly trying to get off the Dilaudid and I broke my leg and ankle when I fell during the middle of the night when I got up to use the restroom so they increased my frequency of use.
Wed, 28 Sep 2016
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

As per your complain Hydromorphone is used to treat severe pain and at times it can cause addiction too..

Although it does not cause teeth damage directly but it has a side effect of causing Dry mouth that can have deleterious effects on teeth making them brittle and fast decaying and breaking..

As you are weaning off Hydromorphone it will help in preventing further damage to teeth and as of now you should get the damaged teeth treated/extracted depending upon condition of teeth..

Maintain a good Oral hygiene and also follow regular dental checkup..

Hope this helps..

Regards..
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Dentist,  Dr. Harry Maheshwari's  Response
Hi Dear,

Welcome to HCM.

Understanding your concern. As per your query you have symptoms of prolonged intake of Hydromorphone which has side effect of dry mouth which leads to decreased salivation in oral cavity and make that susceptible to oral problems such as cavitation, plaque accumulation and many other things. Need not to worry. I would suggest you to visit oral physician once and get it examined. You should start treatment accordingly. Chew on sugar free candies. Drink plenty of fluids. Visit general physician once and get alternative course of medication.

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Get Well Soon.

Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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Does Prolonged Intake Of Hydromorphone Cause Dental Problems?

Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. As per your complain Hydromorphone is used to treat severe pain and at times it can cause addiction too.. Although it does not cause teeth damage directly but it has a side effect of causing Dry mouth that can have deleterious effects on teeth making them brittle and fast decaying and breaking.. As you are weaning off Hydromorphone it will help in preventing further damage to teeth and as of now you should get the damaged teeth treated/extracted depending upon condition of teeth.. Maintain a good Oral hygiene and also follow regular dental checkup.. Hope this helps.. Regards..