Teeth

Alcohol can affect saliva, acidity, inflammation and oral tissues, increasing risks to teeth and gum health.

The mouth matters for eating, speaking, sleeping and feeling comfortable with other people. Substance use may affect it through dry mouth, grinding, tobacco exposure, sugary or acidic drinks, or difficulty keeping up with care. These effects vary, and damaged teeth do not reveal a person's substance history.

Stopping harmful use can support oral care, but existing cavities, gum disease or broken teeth may still need treatment. Dental problems are health needs, not evidence that someone has failed at recovery.

Pain with mouth or facial swelling needs urgent dental assessment. Swelling that makes breathing or swallowing difficult needs emergency help. A sore, lump or unusual patch that does not heal also needs professional assessment. If a medicine seems to be affecting the mouth, discuss it with the prescriber and dentist rather than stopping treatment yourself.

Buprenorphine tablets or films that dissolve in the mouth have a specific dental warning. This concerns those forms, not every way buprenorphine is given. Its treatment benefits remain important. Discuss dental prevention and any symptoms with the dentist and prescriber, and do not stop it independently.

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