Many medications Americans take can affect dental and oral health? Taking certain prescription and over the counter medications can cause dry mouth “xerostomia”, effect your taste buds on tongue which results in ultimate feeling of food taste and even cause changes to your periodontal health ” gums”.
What should you dental care provider dentist and your dental specialists know about my prescription medications?
It is important to tell your dentist and dental hygienist about every medication that you take. They will also want to know how much and how often you take your medicines. Even vitamins, minerals, herbs and natural health supplements are important for them to know about. Learn more here. L
Information your dentist and dental hygienist need to know about your medications at your dental exam?
Your dentist, oral care professional and dental hygienist need to know all your medications, dosages, medical conditions and why you are taking them so you can receive accurate optimum dental treatment. Prescription medication and OTC supplements you take have side effects that can be important to dental treatment and oral health.
Over 400 medications can cause dry mouth ” xerostomia” and make your mouth feel dry chronically and gradually without you noticing it immediately.
The list includes certain drugs for high blood pressure Hypertension, mainly anti depression, and anxiolytics anti anxiety. The list include some cold and allergy medication drugs that can make a person oral mouth very dry gradually.
Diabetes can cause dry mouth and xerostomia. Severity of dry mouth may contribute to deep root cavities. Lack of hydration not enough to drink or dry indoor places can make our mouths feel parched and very dry. Be sure to tell your dentist and dental hygienist if your mouth feels dry, uncomfortable or painful so that they can help you. A dry mouth can add to your risk of getting cavities, deep root decay, periodontal bone loss, gum disease, bad breath or Halitosis , mouth sores and sometimes systemic infections. A major contributor in difficulty to wear dentures, and to chew and swallow food.
OTC over-the-counter, prescription drugs and herbal medicines can make easy bruising and bleeding more easily. The list include aspirin, ibuprofen, Coumadin®, Pradaxa® and Plavix®. Significant number of herbal supplements cause lack of hemolysis bleeding changes, including garlic, gingko biloba, ginger and ginseng. Inform your dentist, dental specialist and dental hygienist of taking any of these drugs, prescriptions or supplements.
250 drugs and OTC supplements can change the way you taste foods. Some medications produce a bad aftertaste in your mouth. Often people suck on hard candy, breath-mints or even cough drops to make their mouth feel better. Many of these contain sugar, which can lead to cavities. Use sugarless candies and breath-mints instead. If your medicine makes your mouth dry, you might have a problem tasting certain types of foods or foods will taste bland. Do not use too much salt or sugar to make your food taste better. This can lead to more cavities, poor diabetes control and higher blood pressure. Tell your physician or dentist if you notice changes in your sense of taste.
Some drugs can cause sores on your cheeks or under or along the side of the tongue. These mouth ulcers can be painful and can make eating, speaking and wearing dentures difficult. Tell your dentist or physician if you get mouth ulcers so they can determine the cause and change your medicine if necessary.
Many medicines can cause dangerous drug interactions with the medicines given in the dental office. These include pain relievers, sedatives and anesthetics. Talk honestly and openly about your medication use. This allows your dental team to make good decisions about your treatment and helps to ensure your oral health and safety.
