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Frequent use of antibiotics, cough syrups, contraceptives or antihistamines can alter the sense of taste, cause cavities, gum inflammation or dry mouth. Don’t miss it!
When we go to the dentist, one of the questions we are always asked is: “Are you taking any medication?”.
Why?
You will ask many questions.
Is there a relationship between the syrup I take for my cough and tooth decay?
Well, yes.
The mouth is connected to the rest of the body and, therefore, frequent consumption of certain drugs can affect our oral health.
We explain how medications affect oral health.
Alteration of the sense of taste Antibiotics, nicotine patches and blood pressure regulators These drugs can decrease the capacity of our sense of taste or leave us with a metallic taste in our mouth.
Dental caries Antacids (indigestion) and cough drops and syrups These medications have a high sugar content, which can adhere to the enamel and cause cavities, which is why it is recommended to brush your teeth after taking them.
Uncontrolled gum growth Anticonvulsants (epilepsy) Among the effects of phenytoin found in these drugs, gingival hyperplasia or, what is the same, uncontrolled gum growth, especially interdental.
At the same time, it can also cause periodontal alterations, discomfort when chewing, gingival bleeding, malocclusion, aesthetic problems, speech disorders… Jaw deterioration Bisphosphonates (osteoporosis) In recent years, these medications have been linked to mandibular osteonecrosis (deterioration of the jaw bone caused by lack of blood flow) after a tooth extraction or the placement of an implant.
It is true that the incidence of this pathology in people who take bisphosphonates is low, but given the importance of its consequences, we recommend that before starting treatment with these drugs, you go to the dentist to solve existing oral problems and thus avoid others later.
Inflammation of the gums Contraceptives The synthetic hormones that make up contraceptives are related to an increase in inflammation of the gums similar to what occurs during pregnancy.
Although this inflammation is less intense, it can be prolonged over time, which would lead to irreversible damage to the tissues that surround and hold the teeth.
Mouth sores or ulcers Inhalers A gesture as common among people with respiratory problems as inhaling their medication can cause a fungal infection called oral candidiasis.
These drugs also cause us to produce less saliva and with a lower pH, with the consequent increase in the incidence of cavities.
To avoid this, it is advisable to rinse your mouth and brush after taking the medication.
Bleeding Anticoagulants, anti-inflammatories and corticosteroids can cause abnormal bleeding of the gums.
Dry mouth Antidepressants, antihypertensives (blood pressure), antihistamines (allergies and asthma), decongestants, diuretics… According to the Spanish Society of Periodontics and Osseointegration (SEPA), more than 500 medications of this type cause xerostomia or dry mouth.
In fact, they are the primary cause of this pathology.
Now that you are clear about how medications affect oral health, you should know that these effects will be more or less intense depending on the patient’s age, the dose of the drug and the duration of the medical treatment.
In any case, answering the question: Are you taking any medication? in the most complete way possible will allow our dentist to offer us the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment.