It is important to consider the oral-systemic link and understand how medications you are taking can affect your oral health. When deciding whether or not to perform a procedure or prescribe medication, we take a couple of things into account. Though it is easy to think of the mouth as an isolated ecosystem, the medications you take to help regulate other body systems can play a role in your oral health.
To better understand this connection, our team at Oak Tree Dental in Poway is here to help. Call us at (858) 748-2101 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Cancer medications
Cancer and chemotherapy medications can affect the teeth, gums, and jawbone. The American Dental Association (ADA) found that chemotherapy medications cause soft tissue reactions such as the development of oral sores, inflammation, and discoloration of soft tissues in the mouth. These reactions can lead to dry mouth syndrome, a condition that reduces the amount of saliva the mouth produces and can result in tissues becoming irritated and inflamed.
Dry mouth irritation can eventually lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease as there is not enough remaining tissue in the gums. Drinking plenty of water and chewing sugarless gum can enhance saliva production and relieve some of the symptoms associated with dry mouth. Saliva substitutes are also effective in combating dry mouth.
“Dry mouth irritation can eventually lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease as there is not enough remaining tissue in the gums.”
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 medications can alter a patient's sense of taste, known as dysgeusia. According to WebMD, dysgeusia can make food taste different or cause a metallic, salty, or bitter taste in your mouth. Taste changes can lead to insufficient nutrition due to a lack of taste and appetite, which may increase oral conditions.
Periodontal disease is the most common dental disease affecting those living with diabetes, affecting nearly 22% of those diagnosed. With age, diabetic patients experience poor blood sugar control, increasing their risk of gum disease that can also affect their ability to control blood sugar levels. Gum problems make diabetes harder to control because the patient is more susceptible to infection but less able to fight it. Treating the gums, applying a meticulous oral regimen, and having regular professional deep-cleanings can help curb and even prevent oral conditions and stabilize blood sugar levels.
“Gum problems make diabetes harder to control because the patient is more susceptible to infection but less able to fight it.”
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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. Dentists can help cardiovascular patients limit 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.”
Questions answered on this page
Q. How do cancer medications affect oral health?
Q. How is diabetes affected by oral hygiene?
Q. How do regulatory medications affect oral health?
Q. How can behavior or mood-altering drugs affect oral health?
Q. How can I keep my mouth healthy while on medication?
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Q. What pre-existing conditions are affected by dental health?
How to keep your mouth healthy while on medication
For patients on a medication that affects their oral health, it is especially paramount that they follow disciplined dental hygiene measures. The American Dental Association recommends the following practices to maintain optimal oral health:
- Obtain regular, professional dental care
- Use a manual, powered, or ultrasonic toothbrush twice a day
- Use dental floss daily
For patients who are on cancer medication, in particular, the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends the following additional tips:
- Gently brush twice daily, potentially using a soft child-sized brush or a soft brush that has been soaked in warm water.
- Avoid irritating foods and sugar intake to reduce the risk of infection or decay.
- Ensure they are getting an adequate supply of vitamin D and calcium to fortify the teeth and bones.
“Gently brush twice daily, potentially using a soft child-sized brush or a soft brush that has been soaked in warm water.”
Frequently asked questions about medications linked to dental health
Once you are aware of the connection between your medications and your oral health, you can make changes to your routine that can positively impact your dental condition. According to the Oral Health Foundation, changes as simple as reducing your sugar intake, and brushing with fluoride toothpaste, can help mitigate the impact of your medications.
The most common cardiovascular medication that contributes to gum changes is known as a calcium channel blocker. Examples of calcium channel blockers include verapamil, amlodipine, and nifedipine. If you are noticing changes in your gums from a medication, your dentist may be able to discuss an alternative medication with your physician.
Many different types of medications affect the oral cavity. It also largely depends on the form and dosage. Among them are antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, high blood pressure medications, muscle relaxants, drugs for urinary incontinence, Parkinson's disease medications, and antidepressants.
A dentist considers your oral-systemic connection when conducting assessments of your oral health. If you are taking a medication that affects your oral health, your dentist may be the first healthcare professional to identify this. If we do so, we will collaborate with your prescribing physician to make necessary changes or adjustments. We can also consider medications, such as saliva substitutes, to help with symptoms.
Patients who require treatment may need to alter their medications in order to undergo the procedure. We can communicate with your doctor to suggest certain medications that are safer or measures to take until you recover from the procedure. We can also work with you on questions to ask your doctor about oral medications.
Dental terminology
Antibiotics can include a variety of antibacterial medications that treat different forms of bacterial infections.
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause 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 in a condition in which the mouth does not produce enough saliva to stay lubricated and becomes dry and uncomfortable.
Inflammation of the soft tissue (gingiva) and abnormal loss of bone that surrounds the teeth and holds them in place.
Learn more today
If you are interested in better understanding complete health dentistry and effects of medication, call us at 858-748-2101 to set up an appointment.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.