Can Medications Affect Your Oral Health?

We love seeing our patients each time they come to our office. In addition to hearing about what has been happening in their personal lives, we are also interested in any medical changes since their last visit. Each time you come to our office, it is necessary to share everything you can about your medical history, including any recent diagnosis, procedure, or medication. You may be surprised to learn that this information can change how we treat oral health. Many medications, prescription as well as over-the-counter, benefit your overall health but can also cause problems with your oral health.

Dry Mouth
One of the most common side effects of many medications is dry mouth. This occurs when there is a lack of saliva to keep the tissues inside the mouth moist. Saliva is necessary to remove lingering food and bacteria after you eat. A dry mouth can exacerbate problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and with meals. Sugar-free gum is another option that can increase saliva production and will not negatively affect your oral health.

Abnormal Bleeding
Certain medications, such as blood thinners, can lead to problems with abnormal bleeding in the mouth. You may notice this when you brush your teeth and use dental floss. Bleeding in this manner can be problematic during a cleaning and many dental treatments. This is why it is important that we are aware of any medications so we can adjust your dosage before treatment.

If you notice any changes in your oral health or are concerned that your medications may be causing one of the problems mentioned above, be sure to contact our office, which is located in Jacksonville Beach, FL, to schedule an appointment. We hope to see you soon!