Vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, and medications—both prescription and over-the-counter—can cause dental health problems, ranging from dry mouth and gum irritation to changes in taste and bone loss. Many medications cause dental problems or have the potential to do so. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully read the information that comes with your medications. Also, if you are taking medications that affect your teeth and have harmful side effects, consult your dentist and pharmacist.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a medical condition that increases the risk of dental health problems. Since saliva is essential for keeping teeth clean and preventing plaque buildup, decreased saliva in the mouth increases the risk of gum inflammation and oral discomfort.
Cavities and periodontal disease are also more likely to develop when you have a dry mouth. There are approximately 400 medications that can induce dry mouth. These include sedatives, pain relievers, antihistamines, antidepressants, and decongestants. If your prescription is causing severe dry mouth, consult your doctor about changing your medication.
Altered Taste
Certain medications can cause a metallic or bitter taste on the tongue and affect your sense of taste. Cardiovascular medications, respiratory inhalants, central nervous system stimulants, smoking cessation aids such as nicotine patches, and the antibiotic Flagyl (metronidazole) can cause dental problems. If the altered taste is too severe, consult your doctor about changing your prescription.
Abnormal Bleeding
Blood thinners and warfarin, similar to aspirin and often referred to as anticoagulants, are commonly used to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Patients taking these medications are at risk of bleeding problems if they undergo oral surgery or receive treatment for periodontal disease. You should tell your doctor if you are taking blood thinners so they can help prevent bleeding. Flossing and brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush will reduce bleeding.
Soft Tissue Reactions
Medications can also cause gum problems, such as discoloration, sores, ulcers, or inflammation of the lining of the mouth or gums. Oral contraceptives, immunosuppressants, anticonvulsants, chemotherapy drugs, and blood pressure medications can cause these side effects. If you are taking any of these medications online, tell your dentist so they can provide you with a personalized oral care plan to help you feel better.
Fungal Infection
People taking antibiotics, chemotherapy, or steroids are more likely to develop oral thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth. This infection causes white patches in the mouth and is treated with a specific mouthwash or an antifungal medication prescribed by your doctor or dentist.
This condition can also occur due to the use of asthma inhalers. Therefore, after using your inhaler, rinse your mouth with water or a mouthwash to prevent infection. If prescription antibacterial lozenges or mouthwashes don't resolve the problem, your dentist may prescribe stronger antifungal medications.
Bone Loss
Antiepileptic drugs and steroids, such as prednisone, can cause tooth loss. Bisphosphonates, which treat osteoporosis, can occasionally cause osteonecrosis, damaging the jawbone. Loose teeth, jaw numbness, a feeling of heaviness, fluid in the gums and jaw, and painful, swollen gums or jaw are signs of this condition. If you are taking medication for osteoporosis, tell your dentist. Your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic or an NSAID to slow bone loss.
Enlarged Gums
An increase in the gum tissue surrounding the teeth is known as gingival hyperplasia. There are several causes for this condition, but it is often a symptom of poor oral hygiene or a side effect of some medications. Anticonvulsant medications such as phenytoin, calcium channel blockers, and immunosuppressants can cause gum disease. Brushing and flossing should be done with extra care when using these medications.
Tooth Decay
Many medications contain sugar, especially those given to children. Antacids, antifungals, cough drops, and many chewable tablets, such as vitamins, contain sugar. Excess sugar can cause tooth decay. Therefore, if possible, take your prescription in tablet form, take it with meals, and avoid taking it right before bed. Make sure you and your children brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste or chew sugar-free gum after taking the medication.
Also, get regular dental checkups to stay on top of your preventive dental treatment. It is essential to tell your dentist about all your current medications. They can advise you on whether the medication may cause dental problems and what you can do to prevent them.