You’ve been prescribed a brand new medicine by your physician. . . may it probably have an effect on your oral well being? It’s frequent for drugs to trigger unwanted side effects inside the physique — together with the mouth. These unwanted side effects can result in a rise in your likelihood of growing tooth decay, making it a precedence to remain educated on which drugs may put you at greater danger. 

Frequent Oral Aspect Results of Drugs 

There are a number of frequent oral unwanted side effects that you could be end up experiencing once you begin a brand new medicine. These can embody: 

• Dry mouth: Some drugs could cause a change within the quantity of saliva your mouth produces. Saliva helps maintain meals from gathering round your tooth and neutralizes the acids produced by plaque. If you undergo from dry mouth, this may enhance your danger of growing cavities. Many generally used drugs are placing you at the next danger of experiencing tooth decay. These drugs can embody antihistamines, antihypertensives, antidepressants, stimulants, benzodiazepines, and extra. 

• Oral thrush: This an infection could cause soreness or redness, lesions on the tongue, and ache whereas consuming or swallowing. That is most typical when taking sure drugs via an inhaler, so it’s necessary to rinse your mouth out when you’ve used it. 

• Metallic style: Sure drugs — together with antibiotics, blood stress drugs, diabetes medicine, and extra — could cause a metallic style in your mouth. This is because of the truth that your physique absorbs the drugs and it then comes out within the saliva. This symptom can also be prevalent in those that are affected by dry mouth. 

Discussing Drugs with Your Dentist 

Whereas it’s necessary to speak to your physician when unwanted side effects like these start to occur, it’s additionally simply as necessary to speak to your dentist or hygienist. Making them conscious of the drugs you’re taking and the unwanted side effects you’re experiencing can enable them to be proactive in stopping potential cavities or different oral issues from forming. 

When you’ve got any questions relating to drugs and your oral well being, don’t hesitate to name your dentist and relay your issues to them! They’re right here to assist maintain your smile wholesome.