5 Ways Your Medications Impact Your Dental Health
Most people read medication labels for side effects like drowsiness or nausea, but few realize how prescriptions can affect your smile. Those small pills that support your overall health circulate through your entire body, including your mouth.
At Smiles by Holsinger & Higgins in Denton, MD, we help patients understand how their medications may affect their teeth and gums. Awareness of these side effects can help you avoid problems and protect your oral health.
- Dry Mouth
Many common medications—including antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and pain relievers—can reduce saliva production. This dryness isn’t just uncomfortable. Saliva is essential for washing away food particles, neutralizing acids, and protecting against decay.
What you can do: Sip water frequently and ask about rinses that can help keep your mouth moist. We may also recommend more frequent checkups to monitor for issues like cavities and gum disease.
- Gum Overgrowth
Some medications—like seizure treatments, immunosuppressants, and certain heart medications—can cause your gum tissue to grow excessively. This condition can make brushing and flossing more difficult and increase your risk for gum disease.
What you can do: Brush and floss diligently, and keep up with your professional cleanings. If the overgrowth becomes a concern, we’ll help you manage it and may recommend checking in with your physician to discuss alternatives.
- Altered Taste Perception
Some antibiotics, antihistamines, and neurological medications can leave you with a metallic taste or reduced taste sensation. These changes in taste can affect your appetite and nutrition and even lead to increased sugar intake, raising your risk for cavities.
What you can do: Sugar-free mints may help. If metallic taste is an issue, try using non-metal utensils and discuss the symptoms with your doctor.
- Higher Risk of Fungal Infections
Antibiotics and inhaled corticosteroids can disrupt the mouth’s natural microbial balance, sometimes causing oral thrush—white patches that may cause discomfort or irritation.
What you can do: Rinse after using an inhaler, brush and floss regularly, and let us know if you notice any new symptoms so we can recommend an appropriate treatment.
- Tooth Discoloration
Some medications, like tetracycline antibiotics, can stain developing teeth in children. Others may contribute to gradual staining in adults.
What you can do: If you’re concerned about discoloration, talk with your provider about alternatives. We offer professional whitening and other cosmetic solutions for existing stains to help restore your smile.
Whole-Patient Care for a Healthier Smile
At Smiles by Holsinger & Higgins in Denton, MD, we consider your complete health history when planning your care. Sharing your complete medication list allows us to tailor your dental treatment with your overall well-being in mind.
If you’ve noticed changes in your mouth or started a new medication recently, mention it at your next visit. We’re here to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile—no matter what medications you need to take.
