At Meade Family Dentistry, we care about every aspect of your oral health, including how your medications might be impacting your smile. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all Americans are currently taking prescription medications, and more than half take vitamins or other dietary supplements. Even when used correctly, these medications can have side effects that affect your oral health. Be sure to inform us about any medications or supplements you’re taking and notify us of any changes since your last visit.
Common Medication Side Effects That Impact Oral Health:
Abnormal Bleeding:
Certain medications can thin your blood, leading to reduced clotting. This can cause excessive bleeding during treatments for periodontal disease or oral surgery. It’s essential to inform us about any medications or supplements you are taking before scheduling treatments that might involve bleeding.
Dry Mouth:
Many medications can decrease saliva production. A dry mouth increases your risk of inflammation, infection, and tooth decay. If you experience dry mouth, let us know so we can recommend solutions to protect your oral health.
Fungal Infection:
Oral Candidiasis is a fungal infection that can affect those using oral inhalers for asthma and other breathing conditions. We advise patients using inhalers to rinse their mouths thoroughly with water after each use to reduce the risk of infection.
Gum Tissue Enlargement:
Certain medications can cause the overgrowth or enlargement of gum tissue. If you experience this, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial to prevent inflammation and decay. Our team can provide guidance on how to care for your gums effectively.
Soft Tissue Reactions:
Medications can cause inflammation, sores, or discoloration of soft tissues in the mouth. If you notice these reactions, we can prescribe a special oral hygiene regimen to alleviate discomfort and protect your oral health.
Tooth Decay:
While tooth decay isn’t directly caused by medications, some medicines contain sugar to improve their taste, particularly liquid, chewable, and lozenge forms. Prolonged use of these can increase the risk of tooth decay. Whenever possible, choose sugar-free versions of medications, take them with meals, or rinse your mouth after taking sugared medicine to minimize this risk.
Severe tooth decay can necessitate Endodontic treatments like root canals and may even lead to tooth loss. If you have concerns about how your medications may be affecting your oral health, contact Meade Family Dentistry immediately.
Stay Proactive with Your Oral Health
At Meade Family Dentistry, your well-being is our top priority. We are here to help you manage the side effects of medications to ensure your oral health remains in excellent condition. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any concerns or questions about your medications. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the best care possible, ensuring your smile stays healthy and bright.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit us at Meade Family Dentistry. Your trusted Dentist in Benicia is here to support your oral health journey.
