Medications And Oral Health
At Smiles By Holsinger & Higgins, we not only care about our patients’ oral health but their overall health as well. You may be surprised to learn that your overall health can impact your oral health and the way we need to treat your mouth during your appointments. This is one of the reasons we ask about any changes to your medical history during each visit. Different medical conditions and medications can change the way we have to treat your mouth and may change what we are looking for during your examination. In addition, certain medications can have a negative impact on your teeth and gums.
Medication Side Effects
When taking a new medication, it can be a little overwhelming to read about how it can impact your life and the various side effects. There are a number of medications that can negatively affect your oral health and lead to future complications if not monitored. It is important to be mindful of issues such as:
Dry Mouth
One of the most common side effects of medication is dry mouth. This is why a number of prescription medications come with a warning label from the pharmacy to drink with a full glass of water. Over-the-counter medications, such as allergy medicines, can also lead to dry mouth. Dry mouth occurs when there is a lack of saliva in your mouth.
Abnormal Bleeding
Some medications, such as blood thinners, can cause abnormal bleeding. This can lead to issues such as bleeding gums. It is important to notify our office if you are taking blood thinners, especially before any treatment.
Intense Medical Treatments
If you are starting any intense medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, it is important to visit us before treatment begins. We want to evaluate the state of your oral health before treatment begins and continue to monitor your oral health through your treatment.
Be sure to mention any changes in medical history or medications during your next visit to our office. The next time you are prescribed a medication don’t hesitate to ask how it can affect your oral health. If your doctor or pharmacist can’t answer your questions, don’t hesitate to call our office located in Denton, MD. We are happy to help!
