Oral Complications Arising From Pharmacotherapies to Treat Opioid Use Disorders

Overview

The Research Need

Buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder is typically taken by mouth daily, over long periods of time. Buprenorphine is formulated as a tablet or film that is placed under the tongue or between the gums and cheeks so it can dissolve slowly. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently reported that oral buprenorphine can cause dental caries, dental abscesses or infections, tooth erosion, and tooth loss. Research is needed to address these harmful side effects of buprenorphine.

About the Program

This program supports basic research to understand how buprenorphine causes oral complications. Research explores changes in the mouth that result from buprenorphine administration and their effects on oral bacteria, saliva composition, pH, and other factors that may affect the integrity and physiology of teeth.

The program also supports clinical research to determine clinical progression and outcomes of oral disease in people taking medications for opioid use disorder. Research includes both newly developed oral complications and worsening of existing oral problems. Research also studies behavioral and psychosocial factors that influence oral health in people who take buprenorphine by mouth, the role of access to and quality of dental care for these individuals, and prevention strategies.