Oxycontin Damaged My Teeth (Page 17) (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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I was reading the replies and noticed someone wrote oxycontin can cause you to lose your teeth. However the label only states oxycontin causes dry mouth. I'm not a dentist, so I wouldn't have known oxycontin will cause you to lose your teeth. I have lost all of my top teeth due to this medication.

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Ms. I'm in the same boat that you are in losing teeth to oxycontin. The label only states dry mouth and my dentist gave me trays to do flouride treatment daily, he even gave me a spray for dry mouth and I still lost my teeth. Sorry to hear you are in the same situation. I'm in my forties and very attractive and can't afford dentures or implants.

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I'm experiencing the same issues.

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A lot of the time It's not the medication itself it is caused by dry mouth meds cause. I had great teeth to now mine look like a dope addicts to but I haven't ever did that stuff either just do what the doctor's give me. But ask a dentist dry mouth caused from the meds u take causes dry mouth I am disabled to and can't afford to get them pulled and at the least get immediate dentures, I would love to have implants to but I sure don't see it in my budget. I would be lucky to get dentures and can't do that now will have to wait my front tooth has broken off vertically and one on the bottom broke n half the rest are just crumbling away. I hate it for you but good luck I'm fixing to have my other knee replaced to I have been through about 14 surgeries.

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I am so glad I found this page. I too am having the same problem but about a year ago I started getting ulcers in my mouth and one of my doctors said it was from the lupus but did nothing to treat it. needless to say I still have that problem and it is pretty bad. I haven't been able to drink anything carbonated since this all started. I use to drink Mt. Dew and diet coke but haven't had one in over a year. I can only eat things like ketchup, mustard, anything spicy ever once in awhile when the ulcers aren't real bad but even then it still burns. About 6 months ago my teeth started breaking in half and the crown came completely off one. Of course it had to be my two front teeth that started breaking in half and the front ones on the bottom. My regular dentist wont take payments and I too am on disability now so I couldn't afford to go. I heard about the "Snap On Smile" and went to a dentist to see about getting that and one of the first things he said to me was..."are you still taking drugs?" I said excuse me! He said Meth, I said I have never taken meth nor would I ever take it and he just looked at me like yea right. He then told me I couldn't have the Snap On Smile and no ethical, true dentist wouldn't give me one! So because HE THOUGHT I was a meth head he wouldn't treat my dental problems. Has anyone else has problems with the ulcers? Good Luck to all!!!

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Angela,
I've had the same exact problems with oxycontin. Two years ago I had great teeth.
Now I have none and facing expensive dental bills just like you. Also lost 30 pounds. Don't know what to do. My dosages of OC where increased to the levels you were on. I have reduced slowly to below 100 mgs.
I feel a little better, but finding it very hard to get off medication all together. It worked great at first, but know sad e

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This is unbelievable. What can we do?
Everyone on OC has lost too much.
The oxycontin works at first. But then these drugs evetually kill us.

Edmund Matthews

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Hi Ed...Richy Norman here..You are in dead correct mate.I am lucky as i am on a disability pension in Australia and for us Dental is free as long as it is not implants or anything fancy.The ignorance surrounding this drug by the medical profession is bizarre to say the least.Not many have heard of this drug affecting teeth.I visited this site a while ago when i was eating a bread roll and one of my front teeth snapped off at the base.I am missing quite a few now and have a hillbilly smile..Not that i smile too much these days unless it is when i think of the predicament i am in.It just seems that sad,you have to laugh if you get my meaning.The teeth are an important part to most peoples self esteem but truthfully i would gladly give all my teeth in an instant to stop this damned pain.I think i might be reaching the level where i just don't give a s*** anymore and just feel like a dead man walking.The pharmaceutical company has a lot to answer for,and that's a fact.As if we don't have enough to deal with.Once your body becomes tolerant to this drug the side effects outweigh the benefits.You then face the prospect of no teeth,your in as much pain or even more than when you first started,and coupled with the addiction ,you think how the f*** did i get here.I am writting this after having 120mg of oxcontin today as well as 10mg of endone and 4 panamax..Do i seem out of it?,i seriously doubt it,and my back is throbbing.My thoughts are with you guys and gals,hang in there,what else can you do...bye now

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Another tooth Just Broke Off TODAY. I lost another 2-3 mos ago when a crown fell out. I have severe back pain problems,. The Surgeon says I need 3 more surgeries I have been on Pain Meds - (You name it, I was on it) For 10 years. The 1200mcg (4-5 day) Fentanyl Lolly Pops was what I thought was causing the Dental problems. I stopped the Lolly Pops altogether and I am taking 120MG Oxycontin and up to 9 30mg Oxycodone Per day. Not one person said anything to me regarding or warning of my teeth. I brush 2-3 times a day, and floss every night. I have lost 6 molars on the bottom counting the broken crown and today the 4th tooth to the left on the top broke in half when I ate some Chips.

Also has anyone had difficulty getting their scripts filled, as the DEA further weaves its way into our 1st Amendment Rights. My Scripts are now due towards the end of the month, leaving me at the mercy to what the DEA Allows the Pharmacies to order, and If the Pharmacy has hit the amount they are permitted to order, they cannot fill your LEGAL Prescription, of which I would not Sell or Give mine to anyone. I need to have some sort of life, instead the Bed or couch

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Bob,
Purdue has been sued so many times in the past. Can't tell you about all of them in this email. Just google "lawsuits against Purdue". Have not looked myself for a while. If I find anything l'll let you know. Purdue changed there formulation to prevent this problem, obviously, that has not worked. If you like your doctor consider that he also will be brought into any action against the drug makers, pharmacies and so one. Good luck. If you find anything, let the rest of us know.

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Think about it. If your teeth are dropping out of your head, then your bone density has also been affected by oxycontin. Who knows what other organs are affected. I wont say how much I was prescribed, but it was a lot. Over two years I lost not only my teeth, but also lost 30 pounds. Now I can not eat enough to gain that weight back. I'm not a big man and could not afford to lose 1 pound. In addition to bone deterioration the drug acts as a diet pill. So, your appetite is suppressed as well. When your sick and don't feel like eating anyway, you must eat constantly to prevent this. Not just regular food but calcium, Vitamin D, milk, what ever gives you more of the minerals to counter the action of oxycontin. I was told to take the drug before eating, but I could not because it made my stomach feel funny. The other issue is constipation. It will slow down your bowls; so guess what happens over a period of time. It all backs up and has no place to go. Your not hungry, you don't eat, you loose bone mass. It's a constant cycle. I have take my doses way down and am trying to tolerate the pain. At about 5 % of the maximum dose is was at two years ago, I am in agony, have no teeth, can not gain weight , need dental implants and I'm pissed off. Oh yes did I mention blood pressure. Now I have to take lysinopril.

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Who has information on this issue of oxycontin use, tooth loss, weight loss, internal organ damage, blood pressure problems and the list grows everyday. In addition to tooth lose and weight lose. After taking this medication my arteries also clogged and I had to have a aortic bifemeral bypass. Never had circulation problems in the past before taking oxycontin. Now I have no feeling in my feet and lower legs except pain. Some one out there must have information on another law suit against Purdue and the other companies that make oxicodone based drugs. Endo, Malincrodt, Watson and others. I think if all of us knew of the massive health issues with these drugs, we would have never gone in the direction of dependency. The only way is to join forces. Please let me know.

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To everyone who has lost teeth and other devastating health related issues due to any opiates please be aware that my daughter Tiffany has had the same thing happen to her. Iam her mother. We have been trying to gather everyone to get on the bandwagon to launch a huge complaint against the manufacturer of M. S Contin and any doctor who has failed to inform the patient of the side effect that causes these problems. Tiffany's story aired on NBC Jan31, at 11pm, 2013. In an effort to expose this outrageous and horrific story to the public and to try and bring some legal interest on behalf of everyone that has had their health and lives destroyed due to the greed and negligence of the corporate drug industry and doctors their joint interest is padding their pockets with millions of dollars from the unsuspecting patients who rely on them for pain management. She also has set up a Pay Pal account for donations that can help people with dental work. To date nothing has become of this effort. We have approached so many law firms and have had nothing but uncaring, cold and very rude replies. The opinion that I have received is that losing your teeth etc is the patients fault and no one seems to care and they all seem to think that that it is just no big deal. Recently I was in contact with a reporter from a large newspaper. They have an interest in this story . Iam going to email an extensive, very throughly researched number of websites to include this one to the reporter of interest. Hopefully this will light a fire and this story will reach the public and legal interested parties and we can get some much needed help and bring these bottom feeders to their knees. Please reply to this website with your thoughts and any helpful information that you have Asap thankyou... A mom for Justice

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I am the mailman and have seen that others are in the same boat as I am . As I read each post and what everyone has gone through it is sad ! I wanted to say that I am not with the same doctor from when I was first given oxycotin . He no longer has the practice with 6 separate offices . But a doctor that started his carear with the first doctor left and started his own practice and he is a great doctor that has helped me lower my oxycotin intake but he was put in a bad situation because of my situation of being on a high dosage of oxycotin . As I stated he has helped me lower my intake and his hands are tied because of how bad the withdraw gets and how this medicine works being time released . Now if I go to a different medicine that works right away and not over a period of time you find that oxycotin withdraws would put me on a slippery slope as he says and I agree . You would have to take another medicine sooner and keeps getting more often to fight the pain and terrible withdraw feelings that I and my doctor fears where that would lead because of the amount off pain meds would keep going up ! That is what we both fear ! Anyone who has taken oxycotin and has a super bad day you take s extra pill and then the worst feeling is when you go to your doctor for your script refill and you are a day or two early you are embarrassed and if you read the lable it says do not stop taking oxycotin suddenly without being told by doctor because it can put you in great danger ! So you have to be very carefull with oxycotin always ! Now you are in a spot where you can't change what and how you take it without great risk and then you are stuck where now you have to take oxycotin ! This is a Ugley situation because you know this medication is taking years off your life ! Also I am on a blood pressure med. and a anti depressant and meds to help with the bad constipation ! I set up my medication every night just so I take the right pills daily because if you take it out of bottle each time and are still in pain you think you forgot to take it and accidently take a extra dose and your pain will make you think your going nuts so laying them out once a day takes that risk away ! And last don't take a day trip and forget your meds because you will turn around and drive home to get them ! By that time your back is telling you that your not going ! You end up without taking that trip ! I know this sounds like someone who is nuts and just rambling on but this is a nomal day and just the very tip of the iceberg ! If this helps you in any way then it was worth it because you can't talk to anyone about this not even family because they would worry more about you than they already do ! The only one I tell is the doctor because I no he is not just my doctor he is now my freind that I think understands ! I hope you find a doctor like I have now because he really cares like the doctors from the old days!

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Wow...all our stories are so similar.I get an email when someone else posts a response and all the stories are the same..Strange though,i have not lost weight but have put a huge amount on..I was around 80kg now i am 105kg..I have never had constipation so at least that is one blessing.I am also on anti depressants,who the hell wouldn't be in this situation.The pain is still bad,my feet are now swollen and apart from high blood pressure that i never had i am now on fluid retention tablets.The doctor says the pain in my feet is to do with my back.I really have no idea now..I can relate to taking extra tablets.You take one and 5 mins later you think did i take my meds or not.My wife now makes little daily packs up where my tablets for the day are put in specially made containers you get from the chemist..I don't know if anyone else gets up all hours of the night to urinate but with me sometimes it seems like every hour.I am that tired i am almost delirious and have not had a good night sleep for more than 2 years.It also seems like the days blend into weeks and the weeks into months,months to years.Wasting my life away.I dare not mention it to family how bad i really feel,i too don't like anyone to worry.I don't socialise anymore and my past friends that i once thought were friends for life are no more..All this s*** because i need help to deal with unbearable pain.I will sign off for now,too damn tired....take it easy friends...cheers Richy

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Dear Camille this is the mailman that has put my situation on a few post and my teeth is not only a pride problem but it takes all your dignity too ! I had seen in your post that you had said anyone who wants info or the news story to get in touch with you so here I am a man that has been worn down because being a mailman means I have to go against the federal goverment and we all know that is the worst ! I would be interested in any info that you may have also you have my support and prayers ! I will be checking for any sites or info you may be able to help me with ! I thank you from te bottom of my heart and wish the best for your situation ! The mailman

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Mailman,
I hope you still have your job. So many sad stories about OC-OP. I no longer have a job. Still paying med bills. Know faced with implants. What can we do?

Thanks Edmund

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The Mailman and hope my post helps 1 person then it was worth rehashing a miserable 16 years of pain and personal info ! Today is different and not every one may be able to feel this but for the few that can . I've been dealing with pain from my neck to my heals on my feet , the meds side affects and worring that my kids and family are always worried about me from 1997 til today and that sucks ! But my daughter's best Freind from when they were 4 to 5 years old and still best freinds today and tomorrow if she is lucky enough by Gods Gracie's ! About 6 months ago both girls were college student's with good grades and making a path for a great future ! Then the lighting struck and her freinds doctor seen something he didnt like i guess during a check up . So he Recmended a specialist and that was like a bomb blowing up for there large great family ! They found out she had one of then rarest Cancers there are ! There are only 2 doctors they had to choose from . First of all we leave in a small town that's 1 square mile if that in size and between Phila.Pa. and Trenton NJ. One of the doctors practiced in NewYork and her family would have taken her any where on earth if it would have helped but that wasn't a option . She never missed a day of school from 1st grade until she graduated and received a award for that ! She finds out that there is no cure ! This beautiful Girlfreind of my daughter went from a interject maybe 110 lb 22 year old to a beautiful ,sick and in pain always ,22year old girl that has hospice coming to her house and I don't know her lbs now but a lot lower ! The town she lives in have treated her as if she was each of our daughter and her family and parents have a large family that is very close and just real good people ! But it is the fight in her that amazes me and just blows me away ! She is a special girl that is loved by all that has the pleasure of knowing her ! But her will against a giant that she fights every moment of every day made me stop and look at my self ! I now know that she fights for every extra minute of her life and I have pain but I need to get mad and fight for myself as she does on a level I could never imagine ! If it is possible we need to fight back against our injury , the meds that are steeling days , weeks , months of our lives just as she is ! Now please don't misunderstand me when I say some of us r already doing that and some r unable to do it but when i used to lift weights a long time ago the always said no pain no gain ! It sucks , it hurts and may not be fare but I am at stage 1 again and trying to fight for every minute if I can because me and anyone who is like me and given up think of this girl and if we make our selves just 1 persent better with hard work , I feel that might be the 1 or 5 mins that this girl Jean is dying for ! Mail Delivered

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Seems to me that the tooth problems (including my recent ones) are most noticeably connected with the Oxy. 80's OP- my medication now for slightly over 1 year now & teeth are now shot TOO. No problems with years of previous Pain Meds. Anyone agree or not?

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Toothy
Yes I would agree that higher doses of the drug seem to indicate more damage quickly. Had great teeth, but when doc raised my dose, out came the teeth. Would also say that Purdue should have known this to be a problem and did not tell doctors of this issue. I did see one mention of tooth problems before the formulation was changed a few years ago. Perhaps Purdue knew at that time.
Take Care

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