Is Your Medication Harming Your Oral Health?
When you visit our office for any reason, whether it be an oral hygiene examination or a recommended dental treatment, we will ask for an update on your medical history. It is important that you share any medical conditions or treatments you may have had since the last time we saw you. It is also necessary that you share any medications you may be taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications. Read on to learn more about how medications can affect your dental treatment.
Medication Side Effects
When you start taking medication, you may learn about the side effects and how they can impact your health. However, your doctor rarely tells you about how a medication can affect your oral health. While some medications may be necessary to ensure optimal health, they may also be causing damage to your oral health. It is important to be mindful of issues such as:
Dry Mouth
One of the most common side effects of many medications 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 the mouth.
Abnormal Bleeding
There are some medications that can cause your gums to bleed easily. You may notice that your gums bleed each time you brush and floss your teeth. We may need to adjust your medication dose or suggest you stop medication for a short time before your treatment to ensure you do not bleed excessively.
Intense Medical Treatments
If you are starting a form of intense medical treatment, such as chemotherapy, we recommend visiting our office beforehand so we can check your oral health. We may suggest some treatments based on your needs and the state of your oral health. We may also recommend visiting our office regularly during your treatment to ensure your dental health is not suffering.
Be sure to mention any changes in your 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 Fort Lee, NJ. We are happy to help!
