Medications That Affect Oral Health
Medications For Your Oral Health
For years, dental and medical professionals have recognized the link between oral and overall health and have incorporated it into their practice through complete health dentistry. Extensive research, clinical trials, and experience have shown that many medications used to treat various health conditions can impact oral health. This is why it is crucial for dentists to be aware of a patient's medical history and all medications they are taking.
Understanding the connection between oral and systemic health, as well as the effects of medications on both medical and dental conditions, can greatly improve a patient's well-being. Dentists can adjust medications as needed to better suit the patient and alleviate any symptoms or side effects. Complete health dentists can provide guidance on managing conditions and prescribe appropriate dental medications.
For more information on complete health dentistry, visit Cedar Grove Dental Group in Cedar Grove and the surrounding area. Our team can help you understand the link between oral and systemic health. Contact us at (973) 857-0567 to schedule a consultation appointment today.
Cancer Medications
Chemotherapy medications can have negative effects on oral health, including soft tissue reactions like oral sores, inflammation, and discoloration. These reactions can lead to dry mouth syndrome, which reduces saliva production and can cause irritation and inflammation in the mouth. This can eventually lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease. Drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, and using saliva substitutes can help alleviate symptoms of dry mouth and improve oral health.
"Insufficient saliva can result in dry mouth irritation, which may ultimately cause tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease due to the lack of adequate gum tissue."
Drugs that alter behavior or mood
Psychoactive medications are drugs that can alter a person's perception, mood, cognition, consciousness, or behavior by changing the brain's function. These medications include antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, stimulants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. Using behavior and mood-altering drugs can lead to dry mouth syndrome and increase the risk of tooth decay.
Dry mouth syndrome can cause tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease due to decreased saliva production. Better Health states that insufficient saliva production can inhibit saliva from performing its necessary functions.
- Decreasing the number of bacteria in the mouth
- Balancing mouth acids to prevent tooth decay
- Restoring tooth enamel damaged by acids
- Removing food particles from teeth and gums
"Using behavior and mood-altering drugs may lead to dry mouth syndrome and raise the chances of tooth decay."
Medication for Diabetes
Diabetes medications can change how food tastes for patients, a condition known as dysgeusia. According to WebMD, dysgeusia can cause food to taste different or give a metallic, salty, or bitter taste in the mouth. These taste changes can result in inadequate nutrition due to a lack of appetite, potentially leading to oral health issues.
Periodontal disease is the most common dental problem for people with diabetes, affecting nearly 22% of those with the condition. As diabetic patients age, they may struggle with controlling their blood sugar levels, increasing their risk of gum disease. Gum issues can make it harder to manage diabetes as the patient becomes more vulnerable to infections. However, treating gum problems, following a strict oral hygiene routine, and getting regular professional cleanings can help prevent oral health problems and stabilize blood sugar levels.
"Having gum problems can make it more difficult to control diabetes as the patient becomes more vulnerable to infection and less capable of fighting it off."
Regulation Medication
Cardiovascular
Some regulatory medications, such as those for cardiovascular issues, can lead to gum enlargement, also known as gingival overgrowth. This enlargement is a result of gum inflammation caused by plaque build-up. Pharmacy Times reports that approximately one million North Americans experience drug-induced gingival overgrowth. Complete health dentists can assist cardiovascular patients in managing their medications and reducing gum overgrowth to avoid additional oral complications.
Thyroid
Patients with a thyroid imbalance often experience dry mouth syndrome, burning mouth syndrome, increased cavity development, enlarged tongue and gums, slow-healing mouth sores, delayed or rapid tooth growth, and osteoporosis. Thyroid medications alter the taste senses as well, which could limit a patient's nutritional intake. Drugs that balance hormone levels may increase incidences of mouth sores, tooth decay, and difficulty swallowing.
"Some regulatory medications, such as those used for cardiovascular conditions, can lead to gum enlargement, also referred to as gingival overgrowth."
Maintaining Oral Health While Taking Medication
Understanding the side effects of medication is crucial for maintaining good oral health. Practicing proper hygiene can help reduce these side effects and improve overall health by eliminating harmful bacteria in the mouth. Complete health dentists can provide guidance on managing issues such as dry mouth, enlarged gums, abnormal bleeding, taste changes, and more. While patients may not be able to avoid taking medications, dentists can adjust dosages or switch medications to better suit their oral health needs. It is important for patients to consult with medical and dental professionals about their medications and maintain a good oral hygiene routine.
