You may be surprised to learn that your overall health can impact your oral health. The state of your overall health can impact the way we are able to treat your teeth and mouth. This is one of the reasons we always ask about any changes to your medical history. You may not be aware, but medications you take can also affect your oral health.
Medication Side Effects that Affect Oral Health
When taking a new medication it can be a little overwhelming to read the various side effects and how they can impact your daily life. 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
You would be surprised at the number of prescription and over-the-counter medications that can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth is when there is a lack of saliva present in the mouth. Saliva is needed to help rinse away any lingering food and bacteria when eating. If dry mouth is a recurring problem, it can increase the development of decay.
Abnormal Bleeding
There are some medications that make it easier to bleed. You may notice that your gums bleed more easily when you are brushing and flossing your teeth. If you are scheduled for a dental treatment, it is important that you contact us ahead of your appointment to notify us that you are on blood-thinning medications. We may have you stop the medication days before your treatment to ensure no complications.
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 throughout your treatment. Some of these treatments can cause serious damage to your oral health, so we want to stay on top of any problems that may develop.
Be sure to mention any changes in medical history or medications during your next visit to our office. The next time you are prescribed 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, which is located in North Huntingdon, PA. We are happy to help!
