Teens, Parents, and Dentists Can Work Together To Prevent Opioid Addiction

Many people – including teens – receive their first prescription for an opioid pain medicine from a dentist. Research shows that even taking opioids as prescribed, such as after having wisdom teeth removed, makes teens 33 percent more likely to misuse opioids later. So, dentists are working to find other solutions for acute dental pain.

Together with a parent or caregiver, teens can talk with their dentists about the best way to manage dental pain and reduce the chance of addiction. They can start by asking the dentist or oral surgeon if there is an option other than prescription opioid medicines to treat pain. Research suggests that non-opioid medicines might offer the best balance between benefits and risks.
If the dentist or oral surgeon decides to prescribe an opioid pain medicine, teens can follow several steps to help make sure the prescribed medicine is used properly and safely disposed of when no longer needed. Find these steps on our new Drug Use and Your Mouth Drug Facts Page.

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