We’ve all done it before – whether it’s because we’re battling a cold, suppressing pain, or managing health conditions, we’ve all taken common medications many times throughout our lives. Medications are meant to keep you healthy anyways, right?
Not necessarily your oral health, though. Prescription drugs can come with side effects that negatively affect your teeth and gums, causing dental decay, dry mouth, and more.
But don’t throw out your entire medicine cabinet just yet! Read on to learn exactly which common medications lead to tooth decay and what you can do to keep preserve your oral health.
Which Medications Cause Tooth Decay?
Studies show that patients with chronic pain are more susceptible to periodontal disease and tooth loss as a result of dry mouth, which is a common side effect of pain medications.
Here are some common medications that can impact your oral health:
- Immunosuppressant drugs
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Chemotherapy treatments
- Aspirin
- Antidepressants
- Antibiotics and respiratory inhalants
How Can I Prevent Dental Decay?
If you are required to regularly take medication, there’s no need to panic—here are some ways you can keep your oral health in optimal shape and minimize damage:
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Following this standard regiment will do wonders in preventing tooth decay, especially if you’re taking medication regularly.
- Take your medications with food. Ideally, medications should always be taken during meals so they can be ingested properly, without affecting your teeth and gums.
- Be conscious of your diet. Increase your daily water intake, eat hydrating snacks (celery, apples, cauliflower, etc.), cut back on caffeine, and stick to sugarless gum and candy. Not only are these great for your teeth, but they’re optimal for your physical health as well.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Having an oral healthcare professional consistently clean and check your teeth will do wonders for preventing dental decay. They will ensure your teeth and gums are kept in the best shape possible.
It may be unsettling knowing how your medication affects oral health but, as listed above, there are many steps you can follow to preserve that beautiful smile of yours. Also, be sure to let your dentist know what medications you’re taking so that our team can be aware of these potential pitfalls early on!
About the Author
Dr. Gary Chaffee has been helping people look and feel better for over 45 years by giving them beautiful, healthy smiles. He and the dental team at Paraiso Family Dental and Orthodontics offer their services to clients of all ages. If you’re concerned about what state your oral health is in after regularly using medication, they offer general and preventive dentistry using advanced technology to provide you with the best care and service possible. You can reach Dr. Chaffee via his website or by phone at (805) 480-0033.