Medications and Oral Health

Many medications-both prescribed by your doctor and the ones you buy on your own-affect your oral health.

One common side effect from medications is dry mouth. Saliva helps keep food from collecting around your teeth and neutralizes the acids produced by plaque. Those acids can damage the hard surfaces for your teeth. Dry mouth increases your risk for tooth decay. Your soft oral tissues-gums, cheek lining, tongue-can be affected by medications as well. For example, people who have breathing problems often use inhalers. Inhaling medications through your mouth can cause a fungal infection called oral candidiasis. Sometimes called thrush, this infection appears as white spots in your mouth and can be painful. Rinsing your mouth after using your inhaler may prevent this infection.

Cancer treatments can also affect oral health. If possible, see Dr. Hubbs before beginning treatment. She can ensure that your mouth is healthy and, if necessary, can prescribe treatments to help you maintain good oral health. Dr. Hubbs is also interested in the medications you are taking because many can affect your dental treatments. Dr. Hubbs may want to speak to your physician when planning your treatment. Rare but serious jaw problems also can occur in people who've received bone strengthening drugs to treat cancer and, to lesser extent, osteoporosis.

These are only a few examples of how medications can affect your oral health. It is important that Dr. Hubbs knows about the medications you are taking so that she can provide the best dental care for you. Make sure you tell Dr. Hubbs about your medication use and your overall health, especially if you have had any recent illnesses or have any chronic conditions. Provide a health history including both prescription and over-the-counter products. Always let your dentist know when there are changes in your health or medication use.

Be sure to talk with Dr. Hubbs about how to properly secure and dispose of any unused, unwanted, or expired medications, especially if there are any children in the household. Also, take the time to talk with your children about the dangers of using prescriptions drugs for non-medical purposes.