When you are experiencing an illness or medical condition, oftentimes you are grateful for any medication that can help improve your symptoms. Depending on your circumstance the medication can be temporary or long term. Many people are only focused on the issue at hand and don’t realize or think to ask about the side effects medications can have on your oral health. Many medications, whether over-the-counter or prescription, can have lasting effects on your teeth and gums. It is important that your dentist has a current list of any and all medications and vitamins you take.
Symptoms Caused By Medications
Here are the most common side effects that can be caused by over-the-counter and prescription medications:
Dry Mouth
A very large percentage of medications cause dry mouth. This is when there is a lack of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is needed to help remove decay-causing bacteria. The dryness can also lead to an increase in infections in the mouth. Medications that can cause dry mouth include:
- Decongestants
- Antihistamines
- High blood pressure medications
- Antidepressants
- Parkinson’s disease medications
- Sedatives
- Pain medications
Abnormal Bleeding
If you are taking blood thinners, they can cause your mouth to bleed excessively. You might notice this when you brush and floss your teeth. It is extremely important to make your dentist’s office aware of your blood thinner use, especially before any dental procedures.
Tooth Discoloration
A number of medications including tetracycline, a popular acne medication, can cause teeth to become permanently discolored with prolonged use. If you suffer from tooth discoloration from medications, professional teeth whitening is a great option.
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with cancer, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with our office. Cancer treatments and medications can cause considerable harm to your oral health and we can help monitor and treat issues as they arise.
The next time you are prescribed a medication don’t hesitate 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 Brunswick, GA. We are happy to help!
