the enamel on my teeth started to peel off after taking this med for a few years. My teeth seem to be decaying from the inside out.
Gabapentin - has anyone else had tooth decay problems from this medication?
Question posted by godesssidda on 4 Sep 2010
Last updated on 8 February 2024
49 Answers Page 3
YES, been on this drug for 5 yrs , my teeth also are rotting inside out this is BS i did consult my physician they dont no anything so mad , who is gonna pay for new teeth now i would have never taken this medication, get off now if you care about your smile cause i dont have one now i used to have a beautiful smile
From the literature on gabapentin:
"Gastrointestinal side effects:
Common (1% to 10% of users): Dry mouth or throat, dental abnormalities, gingivitis, glossitis, gum hemorrhage, thirst, stomatitis, unpleasant breath odor"
I've been taking Gabapentin for 8 and a half years - more than the recommended dosage because it takes more to shut the nerve down in my foot (just one nerve in the left foot). The result: all molars are gone and I just found out today that my bottom teeth are going. I'm 78, so age might have something to do with it. So now, I'm going to find a strong topical for that nerve and taper off these things... it's kind of late, but I still have some teeth on top.
All of my teeth have rotted from the inside out, used to have good teeth. I have been on gabapentin for a number of years and only recently learned about other people regarding tooth loss and this drug. I have lost all my top teeth and most of my bottom ones in the last year. Is there any recourse? My daughter only recently read something about gabapentin and tooth loss.
I've been taking Gabapentin for about a year now and every time I turn around there's more tooth decay--AND my teeth were always well-cared for by me and in excellent condition. So I think there's something to the Big G causing decay. As well... Gabapentin has caused me to be so damn depressed that I've just stopped taking it. I take a small dose (50mg) of Tramadol whenever my Fibromyalgia acts up and I can't sleep. During the day, as long as I'm moving around, the pain is to a minimum. Another med that--believe it or not--helps to keep the pain down is the Adderall I take for ADHD.
My dentist recently told me that any medication can make you more prone to having a dryer mouth (noticeably or not) which increases tooth decay.
I have been on Gabapentin for 3 yrs, 20,000.00 In damage to my teeth, at one point I was taking 3600 MG a day i am down to 1800 on my own. Maybe I should start at the beginning in December of 2015 had a back fusion it was a failed surgery at some point the doctor either severed my nerve or stretched it too far.I woke up with drop foot pain, numbness and tingling in both feet and no control over sliding my left foot in or out he told me it was inflammation from the surgery and it would go away. At 3 weeks they did an epidural at 6 months they did another epidural and I waited he told me that by the time the year was up I would be fine. That's not the case I've been through CTS , MRI , Chiropractic , physical therapy and nothing has changed. It's been over two years and in February I received a spine stimulator I wish I could say it's done the trick some days are better than others but it sucks.
I have a remote that I have to take with me everywhere to adjust settings my foot still drops that will never get better and I still have the burning and numbness in my feet. It makes it very hard to do anything. They want me to stay on the Neurontin and I'm tired of it I'm tired of all the meds I've had to take I'm tired of what it's done to my body and I'm tired of what it's done to my self-esteem I wish this is a success story but it's not. I blame my doctor, he said this would be a hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours surgery he was done in an hour and 15 minutes and because of his rushing I end up with permanent nerve damage. There is nothing I can do about it when it comes to the doctor he's protected by law called failed back syndrome trust me I checked into it. I trusted this man and now for the rest of my life I deal with this.
Yes Gabapentin causes tooth decay. I started using this drug about 15yts ago probably about 6months after I started having my teeth break off, decay rapidly, the dentist would pull some and told me I needed them all pulled and dentures. I was so ashamed I was in my early 49s when I had to have them all pulled & got dentures.I never even thought it was any medicine just thought I had something going on then this happened. I wasn't the only one in my family who's had this problem my husband started taking it about 6yrs ago and his teeth which he'd never had a cavity or any problems with his teeth started decaying and breaking and he has list 3 so far, our son started taking it about 1yr ago and he too is having tooth decay and breakage of them. They need to be held accountable for this drug doing this to people its painful when you have teeth problems and its all from this drug. Everyone should get together and start a lawsuit. I'm sure there's a million more that have this problem and don't know its from this drug.
I agree! The company should be held responsible for this nightmare!! I’m having sensitivity to my teeth and gum line. I have been taking gabapentin for about a year on and off from when I had cancer and this was supposed to help with neuropathy. I thought I would google this drug and see if anyone else is suffering from teeth problems and I see that it is the culprit!! I will no longer take this and pray that it’s not too late. Using sensodyn and hoping it will correct. If I had only known sooner!!
So when does the class action start? I'm ready!
The same is happening to me and was told to get dentures!
I believe the same thing I have been taking it for chronic back and neck pain. It's started worrying me so I Google it and saw your post it starting from the inside out.
YES! In the last 6 months I've gone from having a great smile to having lost five teeth and a bridge. It's been a nightmare. My dentist made a hideous "flipper" that while it cover some empty spaces, I lisp when I talk and 2more teeth snapped off since, one of which helped hold the appliancein place. I'm devastated having experienced another tooth snapping off just today, hence my current curiosity as to whether others have had a similar experience. Now I see the answer is "yes". I started taking it in May of 2015 for Fibromyalgia and my dose has been increased to 3600mg/day. Right now I wouldn't mind throttling these fat cat drug makers!!! A class action suit is in order in my (currently not so) humble opinion.
I'm on Gabapentin and Tramadol. Since starting these meds my teeth have drastically changed :( I'm known for my big pretty smile and healthy teeth. My teeth are falling apart this last 6 months. Holes at the gum lines and my teeth feel thin and like sand paper. (Loss of enamel) I'm not a hard brusher and stay clear of sodas. I have a cleaning done every 6 months and my dentist was SHOCKED to see the condition of my teeth. In a ton of dental pain along side my Fibro pain. I'm devastated. My dentist said both Tramadol and Gabapentin can cause dental problems. I can't even smile anymore...
I am so very sorry. This loss of your big beautiful smile just makes me so sad. I am in the same boat. I'm about to lose six teeth to Gabapentin. One of them is in the front and it looks horrible. Everybody has always told me what a beautiful smile I have, but with my crown right in the front looking terrible and now the decay starting, I don't want to smile either, and mine isn't nearly as bad as yours. I hope by now that you have gotten dentures and that your beautiful smile has returned. ❤
I'm so glad to see others with this problem, although I'm sorry for you all as well. I've been taking neurontin plus 2 other psych dugs for 19 years. I too was known for my big smile. Perfect white teeth. Over the years they have become crooked and have turned grey. My hygienist is horrified with the condition of my teeth and gums. I have to tell her it's the drugs I take every time I go in for a cleaning! I think my bottom teeth are dying. I'm not sure what is worse, the depression and pain, or the weight gain and loss of my facial structure and smile. Like all of you, I do not smile or laugh anymore. Hang in there all of you. You're not alone in your struggle.
I have had dental problems now as well. I have been doing the 6 month appointments and cleanings but on my last visit the x-ray said that all my front teeth should be taken out as most of the enamel is gone up top. The teeth were fine 2 years ago.
I was prescribed with Gabapentin for my neck pain and sleeplessness.I only ate it for few days and started having strange rashes all over my body. My doctor said it does not look like the rashes are due to this drug. I stopped taking the medicine and the rashes slowly ended. But then my teeth became real sensitive and pain started. I never in my life had any dental trouble so it was new to me. In just a week the pain spread to both side of my jaw and it feels like my teeth would fall. I never thought all this was happening due to Gabapentin but I also don't think it is normal to have all of sudden 6-7 teeth started pain and almost falling. The X-Rays are not showing any cavities. I am confused and sad with the situation.
Ive been on gabapentin since 2003 and have taken between 1800 and 3200 mg's daily. Over the last three years my teeth have basically fallen apart. My enamel has worn away almost completely and have had to have several teeth pulled out. One dentist said my teeth just crumbled apart and she had never seen that before. I believe it has to be from the gabapentin as its the only med ive been on for that long.
I am about to start Gabapentin for my MS pain but am so very worried about my teeth. I have been on Lyrica for 8 months and my teeth are just falling apart in places. A crown has just literally fallen out and my gum line is black in areas. I have pain under some bridge work and am terrified that it will all fall out. I had hoped that the new drug would be better that the old so am crossing everything. Will post again when I've been on the gabapentin for a while.
I was on Lyrica for 7 years with no problems. I switched to Gabapentin about 5 weeks ago and it's just beginning to work on pain. Needless to say I've had 2 tooth fall apart; one split down the middle, and the other broke off at the gum line. That is what brought me to this forum originally. All of my teeth hurt in general although they look good on the outside. I can feel the nerves swiggleing around~ like small electric currents. I think I will forgo the Gabapentin for now.
Yes, and never identified Gabapentin as the source. I have been on high doses of the drugs for over two years. I had no problems with my teeth until Dec 2010, and by Feb. 2011 the entire right side of my mouth, upper and lower teeth, have begun to fall out and crumble from decay. It has happened so rapidly and has been devastating.
I have been using gabapentin for over a year now and have found a significant deterioration in the health of my teeth. During a routing check up last week my dentist took x-rays which revealed decay and gum disease inside the tooth, and I too am now waiting for an appointment for extractions! She did say that I was not the only person taking these tablets to experience oral health problems but couldn't (or wouldn't?) be more specific. My pain nurse however, has been much more explicit in warning about problems with teeth. Pain or dentures? Its a tough call.
Hi AuntyP!
I've been taking Gabapentin for 3 months. It's hard for me to say if it causes oral problems because I've had receding gum lines and tooth decay for a long time. I wish I had an answer to your question. I've heard of others who have this problem, and yet, I personally don't know. It does scare me hearing others who do. It's an excellent med for me. Please talk to your Dr. about this. He/she will be able to look at their Physicians Desk Reference and see if this is common. Let me know AuntyP what you find out. I'm extremely concerned.
Thanks for listening to me.
A case of gummy bears,
Anna
Related topics
migraine, bipolar disorder, pain, fibromyalgia, gabapentin
Further information
- Gabapentin uses and safety info
- Gabapentin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Gabapentin (detailed)
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