The Effects Medication Can Have On Your Oral Health

We often talk about being mindful of certain foods and habits and how they can have a negative effect on your oral health. You may be surprised to learn that certain things you are taking to help your body and your overall health may be causing problems with your teeth, gums, and mouth. Prescribed and over-the-counter medications can have lasting effects on your teeth and mouth that can significantly impact the future of your oral health. We want to share some of the common side effects that medications can have on your oral health.

Dry Mouth
One of the most common side effects of medications is dry mouth. This is especially common with any cold, allergy, or decongestant medication. Dry mouth occurs when there is a lack of saliva, which is needed to wash away food from your mouth and helps prevent harmful decay from building up on the teeth. Prolonged dry mouth can lead to recurring dental decay as well as gum disease. To help combat dry mouth, we recommend increasing your water intake.

Abnormal Bleeding
Patients who take blood thinners may find that they bleed more easily when brushing and flossing. It is extremely important to notify us if you take blood thinners before we start any treatment.

Be Honest About Your Oral Health

Each time you visit our office for a hygiene examination or treatment, be sure to notify our team of any changes to your overall health, additions or changes to your medication. There are some medical conditions that require antibiotics to be taken before treatment. There are also medications that may need to be decreased or stopped before treatment. Your overall and oral health is our top priority, and we cannot treat you unless we know it is safe.

The next time you are prescribed medication, remember 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 in Terre Haute, IN. We are happy to help!