Methadone: Dental Risks and Preventive Action

From Volume 35, Issue 8, October 2008 | Pages 542-548

Authors

Neil S Nathwani

BDS, MJDF RCS (Eng), MFDS RCS (Eng)

Senior House Officer, King's College London Dental Institute at Guy's, King's College and St Thomas' Hospitals, Department of Oral Health Services Research and Dental Public Health, Oral Health Workforce and Education Research Group, London, UK

Articles by Neil S Nathwani

Jennifer E Gallagher

MBE, PhD, MSc, DCDP, BDS, FDS RCS(Eng), DDPH RCS(Eng), FHEA

Senior Lecturer/Honorary Consultant in Dental Public Health, King's College London Dental Institute at Guy's, King's College and St Thomas' Hospitals, Department of Oral Health Services Research and Dental Public Health, Oral Health Workforce and Education Research Group, London, UK

Articles by Jennifer E Gallagher

Abstract

For some time dentists have successfully promoted the benefits of sugar-free medications. There are now over 180 sugar-free medicines manufactured and prescribed. Methadone, used in the rehabilitation of drug-users, is available as a sugar-free preparation; however, the sugar-based version is most often used. This article examines the content of methadone, explains some of the reasons for prescribing patterns and explores how a multi-disciplinary approach can be used to help methadone users with their rehabilitation and minimize risks to oral health. The wider public health and health policy implications of methadone use are discussed and the available literature reviewed.

Article