Many people don’t realize that medications, whether they are over-the-counter drugs or prescription treatments, can take a toll on their teeth. A lot of medications include symptoms that are damaging to your oral health such as dry mouth, oral thrush, burning mouth syndrome, and various gum issues. What is even more threatening is if you are taking more than one type of medication, it can be much harder to pinpoint the exact source of the problem.
Dry Mouth
The most common symptom of medications that leads to oral health issues is dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and other oral symptoms. Most patients don’t realize the severity of issues dry mouth brings until it is too late. Medications that are linked to dry mouth include antacids, antidepressants, antihistamines or decongestants, corticosteroids, high blood pressure medications and pain medications.
Antacids
Antacids contain ingredients that can weaken tooth enamel. They are also full of sugar that can result in cavities after prolonged exposure. A few ways to prevent your antacids from damaging your teeth is to choose a sugar-free version and brush and floss your teeth daily.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants have been linked to bone metabolism loss for over a decade. A factor of bone metabolism loss is the increased chance of having tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health concerns. It is important to contact and update one of Ladys Island dentists if you are on any antidepressant treatment.
Antihistamines or Decongestants
The function of antihistamines is to block the salivary glands to prevent allergic reactions. Decongestants function differently but are also used to treat allergies. Their properties are normally highly acidic and can lead to tooth erosion. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after taking decongestants can help prevent the tooth erosion because it helps re-mineralize your teeth and strengthen the enamel.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids have a wide range of uses to remedy a variety of health conditions, but can also lead to a variety of oral signs and symptoms. It’s important to keep an open conversation with your dentist to ensure the best plan concerning both your oral health and overall health. Keeping your mouth hydrated and sticking to a proper dental routine recommended by your dental care professional is the best way to prevent corticosteroids from damaging your oral health.
High Blood Pressure Medications
Many high blood pressure medications are within a class of prescription drugs called calcium channel blockers (CCBs), which can cause dry mouth and gum overgrowth. The dry mouth is caused by the reduction in saliva flow, leaving your teeth vulnerable to harmful effects on your teeth and gums. In addition to dry mouth, gum overgrowth can develop due to CCBs dilating blood vessels leading to gum tissue becoming thick and lumpy. The gum overgrowth can even go as far as covering the teeth, causing discomfort, difficulty in chewing and social embarrassment.
Pain Medications
Pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been proven to lead to tooth decay due to dry mouth. Of course, taking an anti-inflammatory pill every once a while won’t have any major effects, but consistent use of them can lead to severe dental issues. Open conversations with your doctor and dentist can help decide what’s best for your chronic pain and oral health.
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is also a common result from medications. Oral thrush is an infection that occurs when the C. albicans fungus begins to grow out of balance with your body. Any medication that causes you to have a weaker immune system can lead to oral thrush because bad microorganisms outweigh good microorganisms, which prevent infections. If you are on these types of medications, take extra precaution with your dental health to help prevent oral thrush.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
When caused by medication, burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is classified as secondary BMS. Normally high blood pressure medications cause BMS. Symptoms include taste changes, taste loss and a burning sensation that affects your tongue, lips, palate and throat. Discomfort most likely takes place as soon as you wake up and tends to last all day. BMS has also been linked to anxiety, depression, difficulty eating and difficulty sleeping. BMS is very painful and it is highly advised to see your dentist as soon as possible if you are affected by it.
Gum Issues
Blood pressure medications, chemotherapy medications, immunosuppressive agents and oral contraceptives have been linked to soft tissue reactions, which can cause great discomfort to your gums. Similar medications along with anti-seizure prescription drugs can also cause gingival overgrowth. Gum discoloration can be linked to acne medications. All gum issues can be helped or solved by talking to your dentist to figure out what procedures and preventative methods will best work for you.
These are only a few examples of how medications can affect your oral health. It is important that your dentist knows about the medications you are taking so that he or she can provide the best dental care for you. Tell your dentist about your medication use and your overall health, especially if you have had any recent illnesses or have any chronic conditions. Provide a health history including both prescription and over-the-counter products. Always let your dentist know when there are changes in your health or medication use.
Be sure to talk with your dentist about how to properly secure and dispose of any unused, unwanted or expired medications, especially if there are any children in the household. Also, take the time to talk with your children about the dangers of using prescription drugs for non-medical purposes.
Maintaining your oral health is important. A healthy, well-kept smile allows you to eat, speak and smile freely and comfortably. Do not let dental anxiety keep you from enjoying your best smile, contact Lowcountry Family Dentistry in Beaufort, SC to learn more about how our team can help you achieve optimal dental care. Call our office at (843) 986-0177 or request a consultation using our online request form.
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