For decades, dental and medical professionals have understood the connection between oral and general health and implemented it through complete health dentistry. Through extensive research, clinical trials, and experience, they found that many medications for various health conditions affect one’s oral health. It is for that reason that dentists need to know a patient’s medical history as well as a list of all medications they are taking.
Understanding the oral-systemic link and medications that affect both medical and dental conditions can significantly enhance a patient’s well-being. We can also alter certain medications to fit the patient’s needs and help curb their symptoms or side effects. Complete health dentists can offer guidance in navigating conditions and prescribe appropriate dental medications.
Complete health dentistry information is available at Smile Solutions in Pittsburg and the surrounding area. Our team can help you better understand the oral-systemic health connection. Call us at 620-317-0286 to schedule a consultation appointment today.
Cancer Medications
Certain medications used as part of cancer treatment could affect a patient’s oral health. Many cancer medications, including chemotherapy, are notorious for causing symptoms such as dry mouth (xerostomia), mucositis (sores), and taste changes. A dry mouth, in particular, is an environment that is more vulnerable to the overgrowth of bacteria, which cause tooth decay, infections, or gum disease.
This is why a dentist needs to know if a patient is receiving cancer medicine. Patients who are experiencing oral side effects from cancer medications should inform their doctor and dentist. We may be able to help by prescribing a saliva substitute.
- Dry mouth, in particular, is an environment that is more vulnerable to the overgrowth of bacteria, which cause tooth decay, infections, or gum disease.
Behavior Or Mood-Altering Drugs
Patients who are taking behavior or mood-altering medication may notice an impact on their oral health in more than one way. For instance, many medications that enhance mood can cause dry mouth (xerostomia) due to decreased saliva production. When we are producing a smaller amount of saliva, we become more vulnerable to developing conditions such as tooth decay or gum inflammation.
Some mood-altering medications can also cause side effects such as bruxism (tooth-grinding), which can negatively affect oral health. Additionally, many mood-altering drugs can cause fatigue or forgetfulness, which can create lapses in a person’s dental care routine, particularly around bedtime hours. Patients who struggle with their oral health while taking medication for a mood-related condition should ask about how to manage side effects.
- When we are producing a smaller amount of saliva, we become more vulnerable to developing conditions such as tooth decay or gum inflammation.
Medication For Diabetes
Diabetes can affect any area of the body, including the mouth. In both types of diabetes, Type I and Type II, elevated blood sugar can cause mouth symptoms such as dry mouth, taste changes, delayed wound healing, and increased inflammation and bleeding.
However, once a patient begins taking medication for diabetes, such as metformin or insulin, they may notice a positive impact on their oral health. When blood sugar is well-controlled with diabetes medications and a patient receives regular dental care, they can reduce the risk of developing oral conditions such as periodontal disease.
- In both types of diabetes, Type I and Type II, elevated blood sugar can cause mouth symptoms such as dry mouth, taste changes, delayed wound healing, and increased inflammation and bleeding.
Regulation Medication
Cardiovascular
Certain regulatory medicines, including cardiovascular medications, cause gum enlargement, also known as gingival overgrowth. The enlargement is caused by inflammation of the gums from plaque build-up. According to Pharmacy Times, about a million North Americans are affected by drug-induced gingival overgrowth. Complete health dentists can help cardiovascular patients regulate their medications while also limiting their gum overgrowth to prevent further oral complications.
Thyroid
Patients with a thyroid imbalance often experience dry mouth syndrome, burning mouth syndrome, increased cavity development, enlarged tongue and gums, slow-healing mouth sores, delayed or rapid tooth growth, and osteoporosis. Thyroid medications alter the taste senses as well, which could limit a patient’s nutritional intake. Drugs that balance hormone levels may increase incidences of mouth sores, tooth decay, and difficulty swallowing.
- Certain regulatory medicines, including cardiovascular medications, cause gum enlargement, also known as gingival overgrowth.
Keeping Mouth Healthy While On Medication
It is important to know and understand the side effects resulting from a particular medication and how to reduce or eliminate them in an effort to maintain good oral health. Taking appropriate hygienic measures also decreases many general health symptoms, as much of the bacteria in the mouth is cleared before entering the body.
Depending on the health condition, complete health dentists can offer insights on how to relieve dry mouth, enlarged gums, abnormal bleeding, taste changes, tissue reactions, bone loss, discoloration, and thrush infection. In most cases, patients cannot decide against taking medications, but dentists may lower their dosage or alter the medication to suit their oral needs. Patients should seek medical and dental advice regarding medications while also maintaining a proper oral hygiene regimen.
- In most cases, patients cannot decide against taking medications, but dentists may lower their dosage or alter the medication to suit their oral needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medications Linked To Dental Health
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Dental Terminology
Antibiotics can include a variety of antibacterial medications that treat different forms of bacterial infections.
Tooth decay occurs when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay, causing erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Diabetes refers to a group of diseases that affects how the body produces or responds to the hormone insulin and causes high blood sugar.
Dry mouth is a condition in which the mouth does not produce enough saliva to stay lubricated and becomes dry and uncomfortable.
An overgrowth, or enlargement, of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth.
Inflammation of the soft tissue (gingiva) and abnormal loss of bone that surrounds the teeth and holds them in place.
The oral-systemic link refers to the link between oral health and systemic health.
Drugs or medications that can be legally sold to patients without a prescription.
Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.
A medicinal drug that alters or affects a person’s mood, behavior, awareness, thoughts, and/or feelings.
Learn More Today
If you are interested in better understanding complete health dentistry and the effects of medication, call us to set up an appointment.