Oxycontin Damaged My Teeth (Page 11) (Top voted first)

Has anyone else known oxycontin to rot the teeth? I used to be on vicodin until my doctor told me I needed to switch to a morphine based meds. She put me on ms contin but I had problems with it so she put me on 80mg oxycontin. Eventually my body built up a tolerance so she kept raising it, i have am now on from 4-6 per day of the 80mg tabs. It scares me that this is what rotted my teeth because only 5 yrs ago i had only 2 cavities that needed filling and then only 1 yr after going on the oxycontin i had to have all my top front teeth pulled as they where rotting from the inside out the dentist said my mouth looked like a heroin addict's mouth looks. He said it was shocking to him that normally he only saw such damage from someone who abused drugs with so much dental damage, but i have never done any street drugs and have only take my meds as prescribed to me. Now i have lost 80% of my teeth and as a beautiful 41 yr old mother its devastating. I cant afford dentures and sure cant afford implants like i would like to have. I am a single mother and refuse to date because i have lost my teeth now, i had beautiful teeth before i started on the oxycontin and only 2 small cavities that needed filling. Does anyone else have this same problem and if so why hasn't the company making oxycontin warn patients of this possible problem?

If i had known this would cause me to lose most of my teeth i would have never agreed to go on it. Of course my family doctor who has been prescribing them tells me she hasn't heard of any other cases, yet when i researched the med online there where others like this why hasn't something been put in the warnings about this med, i sure would have preferred to have lived in pain the rest of my life rather than lose my teeth and be unable to even eat now. My health has gone downhill fast as i cant even chew foods necessary for good health. All I can eat now are yogurts, and liquid type of foods which isn't much. My kids are 7 and 9 yrs old and they watch me cry when we go out to eat and they order steak, and i can smell it but can't order one as i know i wont be able to chew it. This is so devastating for me. I want teeth so badly if i could wish for anything in life besides not to be poor anymore it would be to have a full set of real teeth or implants but i could never dream of having them, and i don't know anyone out there willing to just help me get any either. I have always helped others all my life, but cant even help myself, i have had to have 29 surgeries now since 1991 when a drunk driver hit my car and caused me major injuries with my lower back and knees, i have had a full lower back fusion and 8 arthroscopic knee surgeries until a year ago they finally had to do a full right knee replacement and now they are talking about doing my left knee soon.

So my life has been up and down with surgeries and i would go thru one more surgery just to have teeth implanted if i could. but i could never afford it, but i would like to know why these drug manufacturers are making a medication that could cause teeth to rot like this without warning us patients or even warning the doctors about it. This is just terrible of them i think, as now i am the one paying for this by having no teeth to eat with at such a young age now. I am a vibrant young 41 yr old at 5'3, 120lbs, slim woman, nice looking too as i was a model in my younger days, so i keep my looks up. But to have no teeth now... I never smile anymore, I am to ashamed to smile even though it wasn't my fault i lost my teeth. I think they should pay for me to have new teeth but no one wants to admit that the med causes it, but my diet wasn't the problem back when i started the medication and i wasn't drinking coca-cola either or doing street drugs so i know that wasn't the cause either. The only thing that changed within one year to cause this was starting the oxycontin medication. Well, if anyone out there can help me let me know thanks.

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Thank you kkh! I couldn't agree more I often get quite frustrated when "they" have been asked multiple times, and quite nicely I might add, to knock it off yet our requests seem to fall on deaf ears! UGH!

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STEVO: Thank you. I already posted that, about not discussing religion, on here a few times. But apparently people don't care whether or not they are being "appropriate". Oh well. We try.

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Thank you, Stevo! Worse case scenario, if these posters simply won't stop after even more requests from the rest of us, I suppose we could ask Admin to have a talk with them and perhaps even block them from this forum. It would be a shame if it had to come down that but, I for one, would be willing to go there if it doesn't stop!

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ABSOLUTELY, Susan! Those of us who are truly in pain neither look for nor do they experience any kind of" high" from their pain meds! As a matter of fact, I was given a medical marijuana card and it made me SO HIGH that I absolutely refused to buy any more! And, although I can admit that, even though I didn't want to use the card anymore, I found myself being deluged with requests from old friends (who had been following my stories of my difficulties with pain relief and hadn't heard from in quite sometime) who asked me if they could use MY MJ CARD since I wasn't going to be using it! I was absolutely flooded and, needless to say, I not only refused, but I deleted them from my friends list! That's JUST HOW MUCH I HATED FEELING "HIGH"! Believe it or not, and to this day, I continue to get emails or phone calls from some of these people asking me if I still have/renewed my MJ card! Unbelievable! So, and like I said, Susan, I totally understand where you're coming from and I, too, am ONLY LOOKING FOR PAIN RELIEF!

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Sometime ago i.had posted to some attorney s making inquires about steroid treatment the same question your asking.I had teeth until after 5 or 6 years of oxytocin. I too was prescribed 2x80s=160 twice daily plus percocett.I suddenly had about 8 all molars up and down just disengrate..I was pulling big pieces of teeth. Out...i.wondered the same thing could it of been from steroid treatment also.I was told they had not herd of any...luckily due to insurance change I made switch to mscontin..much better medication. .your entire body doesn't feel drained,and need a fix like the oxytocin. ..very glad to be off rhat..

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I've been a dental assistant for 36 years. Drugs legal or illegal will dry your mouth out. Saliva washes your teeth continuously. When saliva production is slowed or depleted YOU MUST DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND BRUSH YOUR TEETH SEVAL TIMES A DAY!!! Brushing once or twice a day will not preserve the enamel. Brush at least 5-6 times a day and floss once or twice. Use fluoride paste or rinse, ask your DDS or MD for prescription fluoride if not available in your drinking water. People only loose the teeth they do not care for.

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ITS one thing to say that you dont agree with somebody, its another thing to say you dont agree and also fail to list any reasoning why. A person thats worked 36 years in ANY field of work obviously knows a hellva lot about their field, and probly alot more then they actually realize. She listed multiple points to back up her statement, whereas you listed Zero. IF you're going to claim somebody's comment is totally wrong then at the very least you need to explain why and also back up your claims with some kind of factual info.

This forum is NOT for people that only post their opinions and dont post any solid facts to cement those opinons. Many people visit these forums to learn, get advice, and/or look for factual info about their medical issues. IF every post they read only had people's opinions, this site/forum would be pretty much useless and wouldnt have anywhere near the traffic it sees everyday.

The woman that posted has 36 years in her field, she posted multiple facts to back her opinions and claims up and her comment is very useful for anybody looking for info etc about that topic which is exactly what this forum is about. Now its your turn to post some solid factual info to show why she's wrong, and you're right, as you're claiming. I'm interested to see what you have to say......

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Lou,

I also experienced the same nightmare reality of losing my personal GP and it sucked having to find another doctor. Finding another doctor is one thing, but finding another doctor with the same level of compassion, understanding, education, experience and above all else, with the same attitude about prescribing opiates for chronic pain management. So many physicians today have been scared off by all the problems created by those that abuse opiates, they just don't want to deal with it at all. Then you have the ones that have a major attitude towards opiates and look down on anybody without cancer taking them. So many doctors today think they know all there is to know about chronic pain and think their treatment methods are the correct ones. But in actual reality they know jack squat about chronic pain, they just like to power trip over patients because so many of them think they are always right and above their patients regarding anything in healthcare.

The GP I ended up with has wrote my prescription for over 2+ years now, with no problems, no troubles for him whatsoever, no issues at all yet the other day he said due to new opiate prescribing guidelines he wants me to switch to Methadone and stop taking the tablets ive taken for 14 years or so, even though ive never asked him to raise my dosage or amount of tablets, ive done everything he's ever asked of me, including multiple drug panels for recreational drugs, etc and ive always been forthcoming with anything he's asked me and ive always said yes to any other treatments he's asked me to try. But STILL he is going to try and change my very very successful, completely routine, very positive treatment for chronic nerve pain and very painful osteo-arthritis and tendonitis. So some higher level doctors send out some new guidelines regarding opiate prescribing, and boom my doctor decides to screw my life up after many extremely painful years trying everything under the sun for pain management and just when im doing awesome for about 4-5 years now, boom they gotta screw with me and throw a big curve ball at me which for all those suffering from chronic pain who have finally found a very successful treatment routine, is a living hell of a nightmare. Some doctors get together and blanket bomb and generalize tons of opiate using patients and treat them all like lowlife addicts who cause tons of problems when its actually a small percentage of patients along with tons of people NOT prescribed opiates that are really causing the problems etc. Yet I get screwed over by a non-loyal doctor whose attitude is bs and who like so many other doctors thinks he is right and his patients are ****s that know nothing. Its disgusting and disgraceful, and I hope they can be sued for causing these problems for honest, real true patients that do suffer and do follow the rules properly, because this generalizing is sickening and wrong big time.

IF you're looking for another doctor I would suggest seeing a pain clinic doctor and ask them who can help you as they know which doctors are compassionate and understanding of those with chronic pain and who will prescribe pain meds. Having to change doctors sucks, especially when your doctor is exactly who you need to be with.......hope this helps a little, and the rant was just to let you know you're not alone having issues!!! I am too now it seems.....sucks. If I can help I will, feel free to message me anytime....

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Hello everyone, I haven't been on here for awhile because I have been totally miserable from trying to cut my medication down and I had nothing to write that would have helped anyone here. With the depression and pain I've been feeling I haven't had much positive to say to anyone! I do remember the first time I found this site there was only a handful of people here and that is when I met Christine. She was going threw some of things I was going threw but she never judged me and I never did her. So when I was reading threw some of the past posts on here and seen where not only her but other people to had to defend what was going on in there lives made me angry! The way I see it is people come to this site to help each other and give each other information that you went threw so maybe it makes it easier when they have to go threw the same thing. Or when we find a way to come together to get our teeth fixed. What I saw was people passing judgement on someone else and that is wrong! If someone has a way to help others that is a great thing but if anyone here thinks they have a right to make someone feel worse or judge someone else I think this isn't the group for you! You are supposed to help someone by what you went threw so maybe it makes what they are dealing with a little easier! Christine if I can help you or anyone else in a positive way I will because you have already done that for me!

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Hi Christine, I found that Aleve or Doans Pill's work very well. The Doans is actually for your back. You could also try 800 mg of Ibuprofen that is an antiinflammatory pill, as well as an OTC pain med. If at all possible ask your Dr if you could have Parafon Forte DSC. This would be a muscle and skeletal relaxer, works very well for me, but others are different. It wouldn't hurt to try. I take 1 to 1/2 tab as needed 4× a day. It's well worth trying anyways or if not that maybe some Piroxicam; it also is an antiinflammatory pill. If your Dr will let you have either and neither work then I would for sure have your back checked again because if nothing is taking the pain away, something is wrong somewhere. Good luck hun and i hope you get some relief soon.

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No problem Christine,any time if i gotta an idea I will share it with all you all,im here to help and can always give suggestions.

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Immediately take all your pain meds from that pharmacy to another, OUT of the area pharmacy and ask them to clarify exactly what they are. And bring someone with you like a parent or some other respected adult and DEFINITELY DO NOT tell anybody about what youre doing. IF there is some type of BS going on you need to make sure nobody suspects anything or they will just cover their asses somehow. Youre not alone, many people get screwed over by corrupt pharmacies and doctors that use patients naivity to their advantage and of course profit off them while pulling their scam. Your meds may be just a different brand, cheaper generic type that is not as strong, maybe even placebos given to you on purpose under instruction from your doctor, or maybe there is another reason, But above all else its very important that you know exactly what youre taking and not take something that is different then what 1. You expect to be taking and 2. Isnt harmful to you in any way and 3. You get what youre supposed to for your pain of course, it is the reason youre taking them above all else.
IF you learn of some BS happening then definitely have whoever is guilty charged and prosecuted bigtime, thats some lowdown cruel dirty crap to pull on an innocent patient.......
Hope it turns out not to be a messed up situtation for you......

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My pleasure. Hope everything works out and youre spared any nightmares or problems.

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I to took the dreaded oxycontin & didnt even reLize my teeth were rotting away in till it was to late. Also got addicted to it & was not a fun experience getting off of it, which I did myself with my Drs. Advise. I never want to see another oxycontin pill!!! Yes I still have pain from a back injury from a cat wreck I was in. Recently had to have nerve ablation done which thankfully got rid of the really bad pain. I just wish there was something for pain I still have that a Dr. would write me a prescription for but that will never happen now.

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It rotted my teeth. They had me take 180 Percocet tens a month for three and a half years. 7 years later I'm still having teeth issues

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Yes I find this to be utterly ridiculous. Why do you think it is not printed on the warning label, because people would find an alternative and demand alternative medications such as marijuana like we have in the state of Colorado. I am looking online and found this because I'm experiencing the same thing. I am 47 and have lost most of my teeth in the last 6 years when others in my family all still have most of their teeth without any problems and mine are exactly as you said, dying and rotting from the inside out. It is very emotionally devastating and depressing even to have false teeth especially when you take good care of your teeth, do not smoke or do not do drugs that cause your teeth to fall out until you were forced on medications due to an injury. We know why they do not put it on there. Millions and Billions and trillions of reasons why, called DOLLAR$!!!!

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I had some dental problems after taking oxycontin for chronic pain. Once I bought hydrogen peroxide mix half with water and rinse out your mouth twice daily; it will remove tartar that rots your teeth it is the main ingredient in whitening toothpastes. Also I take muti-vitamins calcium supplements; and I make sure I drink 8 bottles of water daily and other drinks such as gatorade; juices; etc. Take good care of your teeth and don't let your mouth get dry. I always bring a bottle of water everywhere I go; and once I did all the things listed above; my teeth stopped getting bad. I forgot to mention, go to the dentist on a regular basis and catch the cavities when small and get your teeth cleaned! If you don't the tartar that is hard will rot your teeth; a small cavity will get large and you will lose that tooth. Yes, medicine can dry out your mouth; so make sure you do extra things that worked for me, so you keep your teeth in good condition! Also, your skin if it is dry you are dehydrated. The water will keep your skin and your teeth in good condition when taking medication. Dental insurance is cheap and it saves you alot of money. Bc Blue shield.

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I've had the exact same problem!!! It's horrible. I have DDD and just had my L5-S1 lumbar fusion done in May (2016), and am looking at having another fusion on L4-L5 sometime next year. I'm only 34.
Anyway, my pain became chronic in nature in 2010. My doctor put me on norcos, percocet, and ms contin (the first 1.5 years), but all of them made me nauseous, among other unpleasant side effects, and I built a tolerance quickly to them. So my doctor decided to put me on oxycodone instant release (20mg 4x/day).
As I'm sure you know, the roller coaster of inconsistent pain relief with instant release pain meds is brutal, so my doctor added oxycontin 30mg 2x/day, and changed the 20mg instant release to 30mg 3x/day (for breakthrough pain)....
As the years have gone by since then, the dosages of both the instant release (oxycodone) & extended release (oxycontin) have changed and increased.
Slowly but surely, my teeth started completely deteriorating. I'm at the point where I have zero back teeth, limited and breaking of front teeth.
I love to smile and laugh, which is horribly embarrassing, so I try to not to let my teeth show.
And like you, I've never done street drugs.
I can't afford dental implants, so unfortunately I'm going to have to get dentures. I have to look into it, but I believe my insurance covers dentures.
So sad, so many of us not only have to deal with debilitating pain (we have to deal with the stigma and refusal of other people that don't have chronic pain to understand our situation), side effects & consequences of the medications that are supposed to be giving us a quality of life...

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I have been on painkillers for four years and I went from having beautiful teeth to most of my bottom ones being pulled out. I just found your post when I realized that my tooth problems have only happened since I was injured and started these meds. I was beautiful and now I don't want to go anywhere or smile. I'm only 36 and like you only had a couple of cavities before I started oxycodone. I can't believe they don't warn people of this. I just like you would've never touched the meds if I knew I'd end up looking like this. I honestly would rather die than look like I do now. This back injury already destroyed my life but now it has taken my beauty, my ability to eat, smile, and feel comfortable. I thought I was alone until I found this. I'm so sorry for your pain and embarrassment I clearly know how you feel. I'm wondering if there's any lawsuits against the pharma company's for this matter because I know I was NEVER warned this would happen. I want my teeth back. I want my beauty back.

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As a fairly long-term member of this forum, I understand and agree with your post. HOWEVER, what are the rest of us, who only found out after the fact and who've already lost half if not virtually ALL of our teeth supposed to do more, if anything, to replace our smiles? What you've done to reduce and/or eliminate the loss of YOUR teeth isn't going to do anything to help US! Monday morning quarter-backing is somewhat insulting to those of us who've already lost most if not all of our teeth. I do, however, commend you for being so successful and that the rest of those who are somewhat new to the process will take your advise. Blessings, Christine

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