Medications That Affect Oral Health Federal Way, WA
For decades, dental and medical professionals have understood the connection between oral and general health and implemented it through complete health dentistry. Through extensive research, clinical trials, and experience, they found that many medications for various health conditions affect one's oral health. It is for that reason that dentists need to know a patient's medical history as well as a list of all medications they are taking.
Understanding the oral-systemic link and medications that affect both medical and dental conditions can significantly enhance a patient's well-being. We can also alter certain medications to fit the patient's needs and help curb their symptoms or side effects. Complete health dentists can offer guidance in navigating conditions and prescribe appropriate dental medications.
Complete health dentistry information is available at Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way and the surrounding area. Our staff can help you better understand the oral-systemic health connection. Call us at (253) 336-0023 to schedule a consultation appointment today.
Cancer Medications
Cancer and chemotherapy medications can affect the teeth, gums, and jawbone. The American Dental Association (ADA) found that chemotherapy medications cause soft tissue reactions such as the development of oral sores, inflammation, and discoloration of soft tissues in the mouth. These reactions can lead to dry mouth syndrome, a condition that reduces the amount of saliva the mouth produces and can result in tissues becoming irritated and inflamed.
Dry mouth irritation can eventually lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease as there is not enough remaining tissue in the gums. Drinking plenty of water and chewing sugarless gum can enhance saliva production and relieve some of the symptoms associated with dry mouth. Saliva substitutes are also effective in combating dry mouth.
“Dry mouth irritation can eventually lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease as there is not enough remaining tissue in the gums.”
Behavior or Mood-Altering Drugs
Psychoactive medications refer to drugs that change the brain's function and alters a person's perception, mood, cognition, consciousness, or behavior. These medications include, but are not limited to, antidepressants, anti-anxiety, stimulants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. Behavior and mood-altering drugs can cause dry mouth syndrome and increase the risk of tooth deterioration.
Dry mouth syndrome leads to tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease because of reduced saliva production. According to Better Health, lack of sufficient saliva production inhibits saliva from:
- Reducing the population of bacteria in the mouth
- Neutralizing mouth acids that cause tooth decay
- Re-mineralizing, which repairs tooth enamel (the hard surface layer that protects the tooth) that has been damaged by acids
- Clearing food particles from the teeth and gums
“Behavior and mood-altering drugs can cause dry mouth syndrome and increase the risk of tooth deterioration.”
Medication for Diabetes
Diabetes can affect any area of the body, including the mouth. In both types of diabetes, Type I and Type II, elevated blood sugar can cause mouth symptoms such as dry mouth, taste changes, delayed wound healing, and increased inflammation and bleeding.
However, once a patient begins taking medication for diabetes, such as metformin or insulin, they may notice a positive impact on their oral health. When blood sugar is well-controlled with diabetes medications and a patient receives regular dental care, they can reduce the risk of developing oral conditions such as periodontal disease.
“In both types of diabetes, Type I and Type II, elevated blood sugar can cause mouth symptoms such as dry mouth, taste changes, delayed wound healing, and increased inflammation and bleeding.”
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Regulatory Medications
Many other prescription medications that regulate chronic medical conditions can also impact patients' oral health.
Here are just a few examples:
- Cardiovascular medications: Medications such as calcium channel blockers can cause a condition known as gingival hyperplasia, or gingival enlargement, which can contribute to the development of gum disease.
- Seizure medications: One of the most notorious side effects of the seizure medication known as phenytoin (Dilantin) is also gingival hyperplasia.
- Thyroid medications: Because they can alter the production of thyroid hormones, thyroid medications can cause many changes to a patient’s oral health, including changes in saliva production, tongue size, and gum tissue.
- Osteoporosis medications: The bisphosphonate medication class, which treats osteoporosis, can cause a serious condition known as osteonecrosis of the jaw.
- Anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications: Medications that thin the blood, such as warfarin or clopidogrel, can cause bleeding of the gums, particularly when flossing.
Our team is skilled in performing a complete assessment of patients' oral health, taking into account the role that prescription medications play in the symptoms they are experiencing.
“Medications that are used to thin the blood, such as warfarin or clopidogrel, can cause bleeding of the gums, particularly when flossing.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How do cancer medications affect oral health?
Q. How can psychoactive medications result in tooth loss?
Q. How does medication for diabetes impact oral hygiene?
Q. How do regulatory medications affect oral health?
Q. How can I keep my mouth healthy while on medication?
People Also Ask
Q. How does oral health affect the gut and immune system?
Q. How do preexisting conditions affect dental care?
Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?
Q. What pre-existing conditions are affected by dental health?
Q. Why is preventative care important?
Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?
How to Keep Your Mouth Healthy While on Medication
For patients on a medication that affects their oral health, it is especially paramount that they follow disciplined dental hygiene measures. The American Dental Association recommends the following practices to maintain optimal oral health:
- Obtain regular, professional dental care
- Use a manual, powered, or ultrasonic toothbrush twice a day
- Use dental floss daily
For patients who are on cancer medication, in particular, the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends the following additional tips:
- Gently brush twice daily, potentially using a soft child-sized brush or a soft brush that has been soaked in warm water.
- Avoid irritating foods and sugar intake to reduce the risk of infection or decay.
- Ensure they are getting an adequate supply of vitamin D and calcium to fortify the teeth and bones.
“Gently brush twice daily, potentially using a soft child-sized brush or a soft brush that has been soaked in warm water.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Medications Linked to Dental Health
Q. What can I do to improve my oral health while taking psychotropic medications?
A. Once you are aware of the connection between your medications and your oral health, you can make changes to your routine that can positively impact your dental condition. According to the Oral Health Foundation, changes as simple as reducing your sugar intake, and brushing with fluoride toothpaste, can help mitigate the impact of your medications.
Q. What kinds of heart medications can cause changes in my gum tissue?
A. The most common cardiovascular medication that contributes to gum changes is known as a calcium channel blocker. Examples of calcium channel blockers include verapamil, amlodipine, and nifedipine. If you are noticing changes in your gums from a medication, your dentist may be able to discuss an alternative medication with your physician.
Q. What types of medications affect oral health?
A. Many different types of medications affect the oral cavity. It also largely depends on the form and dosage. Among them are antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, high blood pressure medications, muscle relaxants, drugs for urinary incontinence, Parkinson's disease medications, and antidepressants.
Q. What can my dentist do if I am taking a medicine that affects my oral health?
A. Your total health dentist considers your oral-systemic connection when conducting assessments of your oral health. If you are taking a medicine that impacts your oral health, your dentist may be the first clinician to identify this. If we do so, we will work with your prescribing physician to make changes or adjustments as needed. We can also consider medications, such as saliva substitutes to help with symptoms.
Q. Does the dentist work with primary care doctors to alter medications?
A. Patients who require treatment may need to alter their medications in order to undergo the procedure. We can communicate with your doctor to suggest certain medications that are safer or measures to take until you recover from the procedure. We can also work with you on questions to ask your doctor about oral medications.
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Dental Terminology
Learn More Today
If you are interested in better understanding complete health dentistry and effects of medication, call us at 253-336-0023 to set up an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
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