The Problems with Certain Medications and Dental Health

10 May The Problems with Certain Medications and Dental Health

Unfortunately, some of the medications we take can have a negative impact on dental health. For instance, one of the most common side-effects of many medications is dry mouth. Now, dry mouth is not an overly severe complication—the most common immediate complication is bad breath—although if dry mouth is not appropriately treated, it can develop other conditions that could be more severe (We need saliva to clean food debris from the surfaces of the teeth; we need saliva to keep the acids, produced by plaque, neutralized, and untended plaque can lead to gum disease and tooth decay). 

Something as simple as an inhaler can cause problems within the mouth. When a person inhales the medication within the device they run the risk of a fungal infection within the mouth’s soft tissues. The fungal infection will appear as a small white dot on the surface of the soft tissues, and these infection spots can be surprisingly painful, especially if left untreated. 

Cancer treatments are another cause of poor dental health. In addition to the cancer treatment, you may want to speak with your dentist, assuming the Dr. who is administering your cancer treatment believes you are healthy enough to undergo dental treatment, to help maintain quality oral health. 

The next time you visit your dentist at Silver Creek Dental, be sure to mention the medications you are taking, especially when the medications include side effects that have a negative impact on dental health. You and your dentist can assume a treatment plan that could possibly negate the possible side-effects, or at the least, lessen the negative effects. 

Remember to keep to a regular dental care routine, brushing twice daily and flossing once, and visit your dentist at Silver Creek Dental every six months for a checkup/dental cleaning.

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