Whether prescribed by your doctor or bought over the counter, many medications can affect your oral health.
If you are experiencing problems with your oral health, you may want to look at the medications you are taking to see if one of them may be causing an underlying issue. Talk to your dentist if you are uncertain about what may be causing your dental problem.
Had a really bad experience with my dentist when I was younger. It was about 25 years since I went back to the dentist. My mouth was bad and DR Huffman fixed my teeth and have been going back for 20+ years. The staff are very friendly and my hygienist is very nice and gentle. I don’t even sweat in the chair anymore.
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There are prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, vitamins, and minerals that can contribute to and cause oral health problems, such as dry mouth.
Side Effects of Certain Medications
Medications contribute to many oral health issues. Some of the most common side effects of certain types of medications that affect a persons oral health include:
Dry mouth
Altered taste
Abnormal bleeding
Enlarged gums
Swelling or discoloration of soft tissue
Mouth sores
Cavities
Color changes in teeth and gums
Bone loss
Thrush
Medications which Cause Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a typical side effect of many medications. There are as many as 400 medications known to cause this condition. Saliva keeps food from collecting on your teeth and neutralizes the acids that are produced by plaque. Acids can damage the enamel on your teeth and can increase your risk for gum infections and tooth decay. Therefore, saliva is an essential part of your oral health.
The most common medications that contribute to dry mouth include:
Blood pressure medications, including diuretics
Antihistamines
Decongestants
Sedatives
Pain medications
Antidepressants
Antacids
Medicines for Parkinson’s disease
Cancer treatment medications
What to Do About Dry Mouth
There are many things you can do to combat dry mouth. If your problem is severe, you may want to talk to your doctor and see if it’s possible to change your medication. If that is not an option, or if the issue still persists, here are some helpful tips to help alleviate dry mouth symptoms:
Sip water or another type of sugarless drink throughout the day
Ask your dentist about using an artificial saliva product
Cut down or stop smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks
Drink water or another sugarless drink while eating
Chew or suck on sugarless gum or candy to promote the production of saliva
Avoid spicy and salty foods
Use a humidifier when sleeping
It is important that your dentist is aware of the medications you are taking so that he or she can provide you with the best dental care.
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