Just an aside, but don't overlook the independent role of narcotics, which can cause dry mouth and wreak havoc on dental health in the long run. Add sugar - including that in the "lollipop" Actiq (Buccal fentanyl) - and without brushing close to a dozen times a day, you're an oral goner, or so I've been advised by an old pm doc. In this regard, note that the FDA approved patient warning for Actiq includes the following:

- if you will be using the lozenges, talk to your dentist about the best way to care for your teeth during your treatment. The lozenges contain sugar and may cause tooth decay and other dental problems.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/d...s/a605043.html

A good friend of mine with decades of horrendous neuropathic pain (not RSD) had to have all of her remaining teeth extracted a couple of years ago, solely as a result of the meds.