Can Medications Affect Oral Health?
When we are prescribed medication, many times, we are thinking about the relief it will bring or how it may improve or lengthen our lives. Most people do not immediately think about the effect it can have on their oral health. We want to raise awareness about the fact that many medications, prescribed and over-the-counter, can have lasting effects on your teeth and mouth that can seriously impact the future of your oral health. Here are some of the common side effects as well as some tips to help your oral health:
Be Honest About Your Health
During your routine hygiene examinations or before treatment, be sure to notify our office of any changes to your medical history since the last time you were seen. Certain medical conditions or medications can impact the ways we can treat you. We may have to adjust how we treat your mouth or make adjustments to your treatment plan.
Dry Mouth
A number of medications list dry mouth as a side effect. This means that the mouth stops producing saliva normally. Saliva is needed to wash away food from the mouth and helps prevent harmful decay from building up on the teeth. Prolonged dry mouth can lead to recurring dental decay as well as gum disease. To help combat dry mouth ,we recommend increasing your water intake.
Abnormal Bleeding
Many medications, such as blood thinners, can cause the gums to bleed more than usual. This is important to note so you do not become concerned when you see abnormal bleeding during brushing and flossing.
Cancer Diagnosis and Treatments
Following a cancer diagnosis, it is important to visit the dentist prior to starting treatment, so we can treat any problem areas in your mouth. Certain dental treatments cannot be completed during cancer treatment.
The next time you are prescribed medication, remember to ask how it can affect your oral health. If your doctor or pharmacist can’t answer your questions, don’t hesitate to call our office located in Burton, MI. We are happy to help!
