Medications And Your Oral Health
When we aren’t feeling well or experience complications with our oral health, medication can help us feel better and improve our condition. When we learn about side effects from our doctor or pharmacist, they typically tell us how they will affect our overall health. You may be surprised to learn that prescription and over-the-counter medications can affect your oral health as well. We want to raise awareness of the fact that many medications can significantly impact the future of your oral health.
Be Honest With Us
Each time you visit our office, it is imperative that you share any and all changes to your physical health since your last visit. This includes any recent diagnosis or procedure and all medications. Certain medical conditions require medication before you receive dental treatment, and some medications will need to be modified or stopped completely before we start any treatments. Failure to share important information can lead to serious complications.
Dry Mouth
One of the most common side effects of many medications is dry mouth. This occurs when there is not enough saliva to keep the mouth moist inside. Saliva washes away food from the mouth and helps prevent harmful plaque from building up on the teeth. Repeated issues with dry mouth can eventually lead to recurring decay and gum disease. If you are experiencing dry mouth, be sure to increase your water intake throughout the day, especially with meals.
Abnormal Bleeding
Certain medications, such as blood thinners and birth control pills, can cause abnormal bleeding. If you regularly take a medication that causes bleeding gums, we don’t want you to be alarmed if you notice the bleeding, especially after brushing and flossing your teeth or a routine dental cleaning. It is important that we know you are experiencing problems with bleeding so we are not alarmed during a cleaning.
If you have any questions about your medications and how they can affect your oral health, we would love to help. Be sure to contact our office, which is located in Silverdale, WA, to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
