Medication and Your Oral Health

Are you taking medications on a daily basis? We all know that many medications have side effects, but some medications can even affect oral health.

In most cases, the oral side effects of medications resolve shortly after you stop taking the medication. Our office needs to aware of all medications you are taking, so please be sure to update your medical history form when you are in the office each  visit.  Whether the medication is prescription or over-the-counter you should know whether there are side effects on oral health.

Some common oral side effects include:

Dry mouth — antihistamines and other drugs can cause saliva to decrease and leave your mouth prone to soft tissue inflammation, pain and infection. Tooth decay can also develop, and chronic dry mouth can create problems for people who wear dentures.  To alleviate dry mouth start drinking more water, use sugarless lozenges or gum to stimulate the flow of saliva.

Gum tissue overgrowth — also referred to as "gingival hyperplasia," gum tissue overgrowth is associated with anti-seizure medications, immunosuppressant drugs – those taken by organ transplant patients and calcium channel blockers taken by heart patients. Studies suggest that gum tissue overgrowth can be controlled if meticulous oral hygiene is started at the same time or before medication is taken. Tissue overgrowth can complicate oral hygiene. Sometimes, a gingivectomy (a procedure used to remove excess tissue) may be necessary.

Soft-tissue reactions — oral sores, inflammation or discoloration of the soft tissue can result from taking medications prescribed for blood pressure control, immunosuppressive agents, oral contraceptives and some chemotherapeutic agents. We recommend an oral hygiene program which can limit the discomfort associated with such side effects.

Abnormal bleeding — reduced blood clotting is a result of aspirin and prescribed anticoagulants, like heparin or warfarin. These medications are prescribed to treat strokes or heart disease, but can cause bleeding problems during oral surgery or periodontal treatment. If you're having dental treatment, please let us know that you are taking these medications.

Tooth discoloration — taking tetracycline products when teeth are developing can cause permanent staining in those teeth. Cosmetic dentistry techniques like veneers, crowns, bonding procedures, or, in some cases, bleaching may be used to lighten teeth with tetracycline stains.