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Born Into Addiction: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and Pediatric Dentistry

Jennifer L Cully1

  • 1Assistant professor, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA;,

Pediatric Dentistry
|October 27, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a withdrawal in infants from opioid exposure, is increasing. Pediatric dentists must recognize NAS

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Neonatal Medicine

Background:

  • Opioid-involved deaths and drug overdose rates are rising nationally.
  • Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a critical condition in infants exposed to opioids during pregnancy.
  • Current treatment protocols for NAS lack national, evidence-based standardization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present background information on the incidence of NAS.
  • To highlight potential dental development issues and developmental delays in children with NAS.
  • To inform healthcare providers, particularly pediatric dentists, about NAS implications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on neonatal abstinence syndrome.
  • Analysis of the impact of maternal opioid use on infant health.
  • Discussion of challenges in managing NAS and its dental sequelae.

Main Results:

  • NAS affects opioid-exposed infants, leading to postnatal drug withdrawal.
  • Children with NAS may experience dental development issues and delays.
  • Standard behavior guidance techniques may be less effective for these children.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric dentists need awareness of NAS and its potential oral health consequences.
  • Prescription drug monitoring programs can aid in identifying at-risk patients.
  • Further research is needed for evidence-based treatment protocols for NAS.

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