An Introduction to Substance Use Disorders for Dental Professionals
Oral Implications of Heroin Use/Abuse

Dental Caries: Heroin users have increased numbers of decayed, missing and filled teeth possibly the result of the drug contributing to cravings for sweet foods.^22,23

Gingival and Periodontal Diseases: Heroin users demonstrate increased incidence of gingival and periodontal diseases as a result of the lack of personal and professional dental care.²³

Other Oral Effects: Bruxism, fractured teeth, oral fungus, oral viral infections and discoloration of the tongue have been observed in heroin users. In addition, a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that the pattern of decay known as “meth mouth” was characteristic of intravenous heroin users as well.⁴ Since opioids reduce pain, the associated loss of sensitivity could lead to further complications due to the person ignoring the pain from dental disease.²²