Investigating how sublingual buprenorphine affects oral health

Understanding the Association between Sublingual Buprenorphine and Oral Health Outcomes

NIH-funded research University of Kentucky · NIH-10765299

This study is looking at how taking sublingual buprenorphine, a medication for opioid use disorder, might affect your dental health, like causing tooth decay or wear, so we can find ways to help you keep your smile healthy while you're in treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Kentucky NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lexington, United States)
Project IDNIH-10765299 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to explore the relationship between sublingual buprenorphine, a common treatment for opioid use disorder, and oral health outcomes. It seeks to understand if and how this medication may contribute to dental issues such as tooth decay and attrition. The study will involve assessing various factors that could influence oral health in adults using buprenorphine, including changes in saliva and the oral microbiome. By identifying these connections, the research hopes to inform better practices and interventions for patients undergoing treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are currently using sublingual buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who are not using sublingual buprenorphine or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved oral health management strategies for patients using buprenorphine.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on the effects of medications on oral health, this specific investigation into sublingual buprenorphine's impact is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Lexington, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.