How Common Drugs Can Cause Dental Problems

Vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, and prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause dental health problems ranging from dry mouth to irritated gums to taste changes and bone loss. There are many drugs that cause dental problems or have the ability to do so. That’s why it’s a good idea to take some time to read the material that comes with your medicines. Also, if you are taking medications that affect teeth and have harmful side effects, consult your dentist and pharmacist.

Parched Mouth

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a medical condition that puts you at a high risk of having dental health issues. Since saliva is essential for keeping your teeth clean and avoiding plaque formation, a decrease in saliva in the mouth raises the risk of gum inflammation and oral discomfort. Cavities and gum disease are also more likely to develop when you have a dry mouth. There are around 400 drugs that might induce dry mouth. They include sedatives, pain medications, antihistamines, antidepressants, and decongestants. If your prescription is causing severe dry mouth, you should talk with your doctor to replace your medicine with something else.

Change in taste

Certain drugs can cause a metallic or bitterness in the tongue and impair taste perception. Cardiovascular drugs, respiratory inhalants, central nervous system enhancers, smoking cessation aids such as nicotine skin patches, and the antibiotic Flagyl (metronidazole) cause dental problems. If the change in taste is too much for you, talk to your doctor about changing your prescription.

Bleeding Abnormally

Anticoagulants and aspirin-like warfarin, often known as blood thinners, are routinely used to reduce heart disease and stroke. On these medications, patients are at risk of bleeding difficulties if they have oral surgery or receive treatment for periodontal disease. You must tell your doctor whether you’re taking anticoagulants so they can take care to prevent bleeding. Flossing and brushing your teeth with a soft brush will reduce bleeding.

Reactions of Soft Tissue

Medications can also cause problems with the gums, such as discoloration, sores, ulcers, or inflammation of the lining of the mouth or gums. Oral contraceptives, immunosuppressant drugs, seizure drugs, Chemotherapy drugs, and blood pressure drugs can all cause these side effects. If you’re using any of these medications, tell your dentist so they can offer a customized oral care plan to help you feel better.

Yeast Infection

People who take antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, or steroids are more likely to get thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth. It forms white spots in the mouth and is treatable by a specific mouthwash or antifungal medication your doctor or dentist prescribes. The condition can occur due to using asthma inhaler drugs. Thus, after using the inhaler, rinse your mouth with water or an oral rinse to help avoid infection. If prescribed lozenges or antibacterial mouthwashes don’t address the issue, your dentist may prescribe more potent antifungal drugs. 

Bone loss

Antiepileptic medicines and steroids, such as prednisone, can cause tooth loss. Bisphosphonates, which treat osteoporosis, can occasionally result in osteonecrosis, damaging the jawbone. Loose teeth, jaw numbness, a heavy feeling in the jaw, fluid in the gums and jaw, and painful, swollen gums or jaw are signs of this condition. If you’re taking an osteoporosis medication, tell your dentist. Your dentist may give you an antibiotic or NSAID to decrease bone loss.

Enlargement of the gums

An increase of gum tissue surrounding the teeth is known as gingival hyperplasia. There are several causes for this illness, but it is frequently a symptom of poor dental hygiene or a side effect of some drugs. Antiseizure medications such as phenytoin, calcium channel blockers, and immunosuppressant medicines can cause gum disease. Brushing and flossing should be done with extra caution when using these drugs.

Tooth decay

Numerous drugs contain sugar, particularly those given to kids. Antacid tablets, antifungal medicines, cough drops, and many chewable tablets, such as vitamins, all contain sugar. Excessive sugar might result in dental caries. Therefore, if possible, take the prescription as a tablet, take it at mealtimes, and avoid taking it right before bedtime. Ensure you and your children brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste or chew sugarless gum after taking it. Also, get regular dental checkups to stay up on preventive dental treatment.

It’s critical to inform your dentist about your current medications. They can advise you if the drug can cause issues with your teeth and what you can do to avoid dental problems. If you’re located in Southeast Michigan and have questions about how your medication may be affecting your oral health, contact your nearest Fortson Dentistry location and set up an appointment today.