Some medications can have a bad impact on your oral health. That’s why it’s crucial to tell Dr. Gloria Pipkin and our expert dental staff about your medical history and current medications. It can also be extremely valuable to weigh the side effect of your medication alongside its primary function. The following list of possible oral side effects may help you:
Dry Mouth: When you don’t generate enough saliva to sufficiently clean and sustain your mouth, we call this chronic dry mouth. This can be a gateway to other long-term dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Many over the counter and prescription medications list dry mouth as a known side effect. Possible categories include decongestants, Parkinson’s Disease drugs, painkillers, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure medication and others
Gingival Overgrowth: If you take some immunosuppressants, anti-seizure medications, or calcium channel blockers, you may experience an enlargement of your gums.
Abnormal Bleeding: Your blood’s ability to clot correctly will be decreased if you have aspirin or anticoagulants in your system. This is important for you to discuss with your dentist, especially before oral surgery or some periodontal treatments where blood clots must occur.
Soft-Tissue Reactions: If you take an immunosuppressant, contraceptive, chemotherapeutic agent, or blood pressure control medication, watch for any changes to the soft tissue of the mouth, such as inflammation, sores, or discoloration.
Before you jump to the conclusion that your medication may be the cause of an oral health issue, please read the labels on the bottles of your medication carefully and discuss your suspicions with your family doctor. Remember to keep our office informed about your medications too, especially before a dental treatment. If you have any queries or concerns, you can phone Carolina Avenue Dental Care in Moncks Corner, South Carolina at 843-899-5911 and we will be happy to help.