November 17, 2006

The Best Wealth is Your Health

Common medication side effects can affect your oral health

By Dr. Douglas W. Vierra, D.D.S.
Special to the Times

Many medications, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal preparations, can have a negative affect on your dental health. You should make certain your dental office has a current list of any medication you take so they can identify and offset negative side effects to your dental health.

Dry mouth is a dangerous side effect of many common medications (both prescription and over the counter). Among medications causing dry mouth are high blood pressure medications, antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, muscle relaxants, drugs for urinary incontinence, Parkinson’s disease medications, antidepressants and many more.

Saliva is our body’s natural cleansing mechanism. A dry mouth can leave you prone to gum inflammation, tooth decay, pain and infection. Alleviate dry mouth by drinking more water, or using sugarless lozenges or gum to stimulate the flow of saliva. Artificial saliva, or in some cases, medication, can be prescribed by your dentist or physician to increase salivary flow.

Soft tissue reactions such as oral sores, inflammation, or discoloration can develop from medications prescribed for blood pressure control, immunosuppressive agents, oral contraceptives, and some chemotherapeutic agents. Your dentist can recommend an oral hygiene program to limit the discomfort associated with such side effects.

Gum tissue overgrowth or enlarged gum tissues is often associated with anti-seizure medications, immunosuppressant drugs such as those take by organ transplant patients and calcium channel blockers taken by heart patients. Meticulous oral hygiene started at the time these medications begin has been shown to prevent the enlarged gum tissue growth. Enlarged gum tissue creates a difficult environment to clean and may necessitate removal of the tissue when it occurs.

Abnormal bleeding and reduced blood clotting is a result of aspirin and prescribed anticoagulants, like heparin or warfarin. Anticoagulant medications are used to treat strokes or heart disease, but can result in excessive bleeding during periodontal or oral surgical procedures. Be sure to speak with your dentist if you’re on these medications, especially if the dental procedure involves bleeding.

Tooth discoloration can occur if tetracycline products are taken when teeth are developing. The result is a permanent brownish-grey staining of the teeth. Cosmetic procedures such as bleaching, veneers, or crowns may be used to lighten the teeth or mask discoloration.

Some medications can cause a bitter or metallic taste or affect the ability to taste. Among them are cardiovascular agents, central nervous system stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, respiratory inhalants and smoking cessation products such as nicotine skin patches.

In most cases, oral side effects of medications resolve shortly after you stop taking them. Talk with your dentist about these medications and together you can minimize their affect.

Douglas W. Vierra, D.D.S., is the owner of Plaza Dental Group, 1654 E. Capitol Expressway, San Jose, California, 95121. Call (408) 270-4333 with questions or to schedule an appointment.