Did you know that the medications you take can have a big impact on your oral health? While medications are vital for managing various health conditions, it is important to be aware of the possible side effects on your smile.
HERE ARE FIVE WAYS DIFFERENT MEDICATIONS CAN AFFECT YOUR ORAL HEALTH AND WHAT YOU CAN DO DO KEEP YOUR SMILE HEALTHY.
1. INCREASED RISK OF CAVITIES
Certain medications can raise your risk for cavities, and one of the most common culprits is dry mouth. Saliva is crucial because it helps wash away food particles and neutralizes acids that can wear down your enamel. When your mouth is dry, plaque and bacteria can build up faster, leading to a higher chance of cavities.
What Kinds of Medications Can Increase Your Cavity Risk?
Medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and any combination of multiple medications can cause dry mouth
Cancer treatments, especially radiation near the head or neck, and chemotherapy can lead to severe, generalized tooth decay
Medications containing sugar—think of cough syrups, lozenges, and chewable vitamins—can increase bacteria that cause cavities
Medicines like birth control pills, medications for erectile dysfunction, some high blood pressure meds, and even over-the-counter pain medications, cause a stuffy or runny nose which might make you breathe through your mouth more often, further contributing to dryness.
What Can You Do About It?
Keep your teeth and gums very clean by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
Use products specifically designed for dry mouth, such as moisturizing mouthwashes or saliva substitutes.
Ask about fluoride trays to use at home, which can help strengthen your teeth. This is especially important if you are undergoing cancer treatments like radiation or chemo.
Opt for sugar-free alternatives when possible and try to limit the use of lozenges.
If you have nasal congestion, talk to your doctor or dentist about ways to improve it to reduce mouth breathing.
2. GUM SWELLING AND BLEEDING
Some medications can cause your gums to swell, bleed, or become overgrown. This happens because they interact with the gum tissue, increasing the growth of cells called fibroblasts, which promote gingival growth. This reaction can be more intense when there is a lot of plaque on your teeth, making proper oral hygiene even more important.
Medications that May Cause Gum Issues:
Anticonvulsants used for conditions like epilepsy
Hormonal medications including birth control and hormone replacement therapy
Immunosuppressants
Calcium channel blockers, often used for high blood pressure
What Can You Do?
Keep your teeth clean and be diligent with daily brushing and flossing.
Consider using a water flosser to reach areas that are hard to clean.
Ask your dentist about treatments like gingivectomy or gum contouring to help manage excessive gum growth.
Stay on top of regular dental cleanings to remove hard deposits that can irritate the gums.
If the gum growth is excessive, ask your doctor about options for adjusting your medication.
3. TEETH GRINDING AND JAW CLENCHING
Some medications can lead to tooth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching, which can cause wear and tear on your teeth and even lead to jaw pain. These side effects can occur because certain drugs affect the neurotransmitters that control muscle coordination. If you are already prone to bruxism, some medications may make it worse or harder to manage.
What Medications Increase Tooth Grinding?
Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants, especially SSRIs and SNRIs
Stimulants like ADHD medications
Levodopa and other dopamine medications
Anticonvulsants
What Can You Do?
Use a night guard or splint to protect your teeth from grinding damage while you sleep.
Massage your jaw muscles or apply warm compresses to ease tension.
Consider treatments like Botox injections to reduce muscle activity in the jaw.
4. BONE LOSS AND DAMAGE TO THE JAW BONE
Certain medications can interfere with the natural bone remodeling process in your jaw, leading to bone loss or damage over time. This can weaken the support for your teeth and even put you at risk for serious conditions like jawbone necrosis (when bone tissue dies).
Medications That Can Affect Bone Health:
Bisphosphonates (commonly used for osteoporosis)
Corticosteroids (used for inflammation)
Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
Statins and ACE inhibitors
Nicotine
What to Do:
Always inform your dentist or oral surgeon if you take osteoporosis medications.
Maintain excellent oral hygiene habits to reduce the risk of infections or gum disease.
Schedule regular dental check-ups so that any signs of bone loss can be caught early.
5. FUNGAL INFECTIONS AND MOUTH SORES
Certain medications can throw off the bacterial balance in your mouth, leading to fungal infections like oral thrush or painful mouth sores.
Medications That Can Cause Fungal Infections and Sores:
Inhalers like albuterol for asthma
Antibiotics
Steroids like prednisone
Some types of chemotherapy medications
What to Do:
Rinse your mouth after using an inhaler to remove residue.
Talk to your doctor about taking vitamin B12 supplements if you experience frequent mouth sores.
Keep your mouth clean by brushing and using gentle, alcohol-free mouthwash.
Avoid spicy foods and harsh oral care products that might irritate your mouth.
Ask us about specialized mouthwashes or treatments that can make you more comfortable during an infection.
YOUR HEALTH COMES FIRST
At Anderson Family Dental, we understand that medications play a crucial role in managing your overall health. So it's important to never stop taking any recommended medications without first consulting your physician. Together, we can develop a plan to support both your health and your smile.
In addition to the issues mentioned above, some medications can also cause changes in your sense of taste, bad breath, and even indigestion that can impact your oral comfort. If you are experiencing any of these side effects, our team can offer solutions that can make a big difference.
We are committed to supporting your whole-body health, as well as the function, comfort, and health of your smile! Whether you need help managing dry mouth, treating gum overgrowth, or finding relief from tooth grinding, we offer a range of comprehensive treatments, including Botox for bruxism, oral splints, and gingivectomy procedures.
Reach out to Anderson Family Dental in Winter Park, FL, today to schedule an appointment. Let's work together to keep your smile healthy, no matter what medications you take!
Dr. Bryant Anderson, DMD
Dr. Bryant Anderson knew from a young age that he wanted to become a dentist. He studied Biology and Chemistry at Utah Valley University. He continued his education at the University of Florida College of Dentistry earning his Doctorate in Dental Medicine. As a top-ranking graduate in his dental class, Dr. Bryant Anderson was inducted into the dental honor society OKU. READ MORE