Oral Side Effects of Medication
Posted on 4/12/2021 by Brian Rounds, DDS |
 Generally speaking, the purpose of taking medication is to control and treat different health conditions, or at least make you feel better. However, all drugs come with multiple side effects that cause oral problems. Most people don't even realize how medicines that control high blood pressure, severe pain, depression, and allergies compromise dental health.
At Brian K. Rounds, DDS, Brian K. Rounds, DDS and can guide you about the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements.
Common Oral Side Effects of Medications
The most common oral side effect of medications is dry mouth (Xerostomia). Medicines like antidepressants, lung inhalers, and antihistamines reduce the saliva in your mouth, leading to irritation and possible inflammation. This inflammation increases infection, tooth decay, and gum disease. Some inhaler medications may even lead to a fungal infection.
Moreover, blood pressure medications can cause gum swelling. Swollen gum tissues attract bacteria, which can damage surrounding structures. Men, especially seniors, develop this side effect due to aging teeth and declining oral hygiene. Over-the-counter pills such as Aspirin and Panadol can influence the growth of mouth ulcers.
Mouth ulcers are like craters inside the mouth or the tongue that occur due to tissue breakdown in the mucous membrane. Chemotherapy drugs can also cause mouth sores to develop. Furthermore, medicated syrups that contain sugar can increase your risk of tooth decay if you do not brush your teeth regularly.
Lastly, some medications can affect taste receptors on your tongue. This change is called dysgeusia. Some drugs make food taste different in many cases, usually adding a metallic, bitter, or salty aftertaste in your mouth. These taste changes are temporary and often stop when you stop taking medicine. The most common cause of taste changes is chemotherapy drugs.
To lower your chances of developing oral conditions due to side effects from medications, we recommend visiting Brian K. Rounds, DDS and at Brian K. Rounds, DDS. To schedule an appointment with us, call us at (360) 764-5236 today.
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