What To Know About Medications And Oral Health
We know that when patients visit our office they are focused on their oral health. They want to get their cleaning or needed treatment and be on their way. Many patients are surprised to learn that we care about the state of your overall health as well. Different medical conditions and medications can change the way we treat your mouth and may change what we are looking for during your examination. For example, patients with various heart conditions need to take antibiotics before receiving a cleaning or dental treatment. Other medications that you may be prescribed can also change the environment of the mouth and leave a negative impact on your teeth and gums.
Common Medication Side Effects
Many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can have side effects that negatively impact your oral health. It is best to be mindful of side effects such as:
Dry Mouth
Too many medications to name list dry mouth as one of the side effects. Dry mouth is when there is a lack of saliva in the mouth. When dry mouth occurs, we recommend increasing your water consumption.
Abnormal Bleeding
Many medications, such as blood thinners, cause gum sensitivity. This can lead to bleeding gums, especially when brushing and flossing. It is extremely important to notify our office if you are taking blood thinners, especially before a major procedure.
Intense Treatments
Unfortunately, certain medical conditions, such as cancer, are treated with medications that can be extremely damaging to teeth and gums. Patients who will be undergoing cancer treatments are recommended to visit our office as soon as they receive a diagnosis. Many medications cause substantial damage to teeth, and we need to evaluate the state of your teeth before treatment begins to see if any action needs to be taken.
Be sure to mention any changes in medical history or medications during your next visit to our office. The next time you are prescribed a medication don’t hesitate 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 located in Wellington, FL. We are happy to help!