71. Buprenorphine and Dental Problems71. Buprenorphine and Dental Problems
Addiction Medicine Journal Club
Episode 71 discusses the potential link between buprenorphine and dental issues, along with the idea of over-the-counter naltrexone for alcohol use disorder.
34:08•2 Mar 2026
Buprenorphine's Dental Dilemma: A Surprising Side Effect?
Episode Overview
- Buprenorphine may contribute to dental problems, but benefits outweigh risks.
- Consider counselling patients on dental hygiene when prescribing buprenorphine.
- Over-the-counter naltrexone could increase access for alcohol use disorder treatment.
- The FDA warns of potential oral health risks with transmucosal buprenorphine.
- Public health policies impact addiction treatment strategies.
“"The benefits of buprenorphine are huge... I definitely would recommend it for opiate use disorder."”
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? Episode 71 of the Addiction Medicine Journal Club dives into the unexpected dental issues linked to buprenorphine, a medication often used to treat opioid use disorder. Dr. John Keenan and Dr. Sonya Del Tredici explore the latest research on this topic, discussing a study that examines whether buprenorphine is the real culprit behind dental problems in patients with opioid use disorder.
The hosts provide an engaging discussion on the challenges of interpreting medical data and its real-world implications. Additionally, they touch upon the intriguing proposal of making naltrexone available over-the-counter to address alcohol use disorder, sparking a debate on accessibility and safety. With light-hearted banter and expert insights, this episode offers a blend of humour and serious discussion about the intersection of addiction treatment and dental health.
By the end, you'll be pondering if buprenorphine's benefits outweigh its potential risks and whether easier access to medications like naltrexone could change the landscape of addiction treatment. Tune in to find out how these discussions could impact your practice or personal journey.
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