Summary:
- Suboxone is a sublingual strip that can help those struggling with opioid addiction by reducing cravings and helping with withdrawal symptoms
- Recent scientific studies have found that Suboxone can cause dental problems like tooth decay, infections, and dry mouth
- Suboxone can cause tooth decay because the strips of film are as acidic as vinegar
- The toxic strips of Suboxone can damage tooth enamel and expose the teeth to bacteria
Those living with opioid use disorder (OUD) can take the prescription medication Suboxone to help reduce cravings and eliminate codependency. The medication comes as a sublingual strip that someone can place below their tongue and dissolve into their body. It can attach to opioid receptors and trigger the opioid effect without the negative drawbacks.
However, recent scientific studies have discovered Suboxone can cause tooth decay. The prescription medication has a pH level of 3.4, meaning it is as toxic as vinegar. The toxic strips can reduce the mouth’s pH level and weaken the enamel, exposing a person to dental problems. Many users of Suboxone have filed lawsuits to pursue compensation for tooth decay.
Suboxone Can Help Those Struggling With Opioid Addiction
Many users of the opioid addiction medication Suboxone have filed product liability lawsuits due to the medication causing tooth decay. The issue with this medication causing tooth decay is its effectiveness in helping those addicted to opioids, such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone.
Suboxone is a sublingual strip, meaning users must place it underneath the tongue and let it dissolve into the body. It contains two main ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine attaches to nerve cells known as opioid receptors to trigger a reaction that releases endorphins for a low potency “opioid effect.”
This can help manage cravings and reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Naloxone can prevent the full activation of opioid receptors when users take Suboxone intravenously. Despite the effectiveness of Suboxone to help with opioid addiction, the medication can cause issues in the mouth that cause tooth decay.
Recent Studies Discovered Suboxone Can Cause Dental Problems
One of the first studies to link Suboxone and other buprenorphine medications to tooth decay was published in The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders in 2013. The study examined data from eleven Brigham and Women’s Hospital patients, discovering that 90% of oral buprenorphine suffered from salivary buffering.
In 2022, The Journal of the American Medical Association released a study analyzing data from three cohorts of people recovering from opioid addictions: those using oral naltrexone, oral buprenorphine-naloxone, and transdermal buprenorphine prescriptions. The researchers discovered users of Suboxone and similar medications can suffer from dental problems.
In the time since the release of this study, many users of Suboxone have filed defective drug lawsuits due to dental problems they suffered. Some of the dental problems caused by Suboxone include tooth decay, tooth erosion, gum problems, dry mouth, and infections.
Acidic Nature of Suboxone the Root Cause of Dental Problems
The reason Suboxone can cause tooth decay is because the strips have an acidic pH. The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is, ranging from 0 (highly acidic) to 14 (highly basic). Suboxone film strips rate 3.4 on the pH scale, meaning they are as acidic as vinegar.
This presents an issue that can cause tooth decay, as using Suboxone can lower the mouth’s pH level. A person’s mouth typically has a pH level ranging from 6.2-7. Using Suboxone can dramatically reduce the pH level, leading to acid-weakening tooth enamel.
How Does Suboxone Weaken Tooth Enamel?
The acidic nature of Suboxone can weaken tooth enamel, which is the protective outer shell of teeth. Without the protective outer shell, your teeth can become exposed to bacteria and wear and tear. Tooth decay can occur due to Suboxone’s acidity. After using Suboxone, the lack of enamel can even make brushing teeth dangerous, as it can damage teeth and cause decay.
Suboxone can also cause tooth decay because it can lead to dry mouth. Saliva can help protect the teeth from harmful germs. Without saliva due to dry mouth, people may not have the buffer to prevent tooth damage. Suboxone users can suffer tooth decay as a result of dry mouth.
Contact The Russo Firm for Help With Your Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
At The Russo Firm, our product liability lawyers can help you pursue compensation for damages caused by Suboxone tooth decay. These can include medical bills, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.
Our product liability attorneys understand the damage caused by dangerous products and can help victims hold manufacturers and other liable parties accountable for their negligence. Contact us for a free Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit case evaluation today at (561) 270-0913 or leave a message on our online contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suboxone Tooth Decay
How Many Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits Have Been Filed?
Victims of defective drugs that cause health problems can file lawsuits to pursue compensation for damages. Those who suffer severe health problems, such as Suboxone users experiencing tooth decay, can suffer economic and non-economic damages that affect their health, finances, and quality of life.
As of December 2023, over one hundred Suboxone users have filed tooth decay lawsuits. In November 2023, 14 Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits were filed in court. As more information comes to light about Suboxone causing tooth decay, more lawsuits will be filed from the hundreds of thousands of users of the opioid addiction medication.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?
The liable party in a product liability lawsuit is the one whose negligence caused the injuries and damages. In the case of a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, the liable parties who have been named in lawsuits are the manufacturers, Reckitt Benckiser, and its subsidiary Indivior. Their negligence exposed users to the toxic product that can cause tooth decay.
How Can a Product Liability Lawyer Help With Your Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?
Hiring a lawyer after suffering tooth decay from Suboxone is an important part of the lawsuit process. They can use their experience helping other victims of dangerous products and defective drugs to assist you in pursuing compensation for damages.
An experienced product liability lawyer can help you calculate the value of your lawsuit, file the necessary paperwork, gather evidence, and negotiate a fair settlement. Your best chance for a successful Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit is with the help of an experienced product liability lawyer.
