Common effects of medications on teeth and gums include abnormal gum bleeding, tissue reactions such as inflammation or sores, gum enlargement, increased risk of cavities from sugar-containing medicines, and discoloration of teeth and gums. If you notice any of these changes while taking medication, consult your doctor or dentist immediately so they can advise precautions or treatment.
Abnormal Bleeding
Some medications like anticoagulants and aspirin can cause the gums to have abnormal bleeding. They lessen the clotting ability of the blood and this leads to abnormal bleeding during an oral surgery.
Before having an oral surgery, let your dentist know that you are taking in some aspirins or anticoagulants so that precautions can be done to minimize the bleeding of your gums. Also, when brushing your teeth, you should use a toothbrush with soft bristles to reduce the gum bleeding.
Tissue Reactions
If you are taking in some medications for blood pressure, chemotherapy, oral contraceptives and immunosuppressive agents, there is a possibility that you can develop some tissue reactions on your gums. Your gums can be inflamed, you can develop a mouth sore, or the tissues on your gums and your mouth can have some discoloration.
When having this kind of medication effect, you should let your dentist know it beforehand. A special dental care will be prescribed to you to ease the pain or the discomfort that you are feeling and to prevent these tissue reactions as much as possible.
Gum Enlargement
Gum enlargement can occur when you are taking medications for epilepsy and other antiseizures, cardiovascular medications such as calcium channel blockers, and immunosuppressant drugs. This may sometimes make you feel uncomfortable. Also, an enlarged gum is more sensitive than a normal gum.
While you are taking any of these medications that can cause gum enlargement, you should take an extra care when brushing and flossing. The best solution for this medication effect is to consult your dentist so that he or she can give you the specific dental instructions to treat this gum enlargement.
Tooth Cavity Risks
Medications that contain sugar, especially those that are prescribed to kids, can cause the cavity to form on the teeth. The medicines that contain sugar include antacid tablets, cough drops, chewable tablets, antifungal agents, and vitamins. Taking in too much of these medicines can lead to the formation of cavities on the teeth.
To avoid having cavities while taking these medicines, it is best to drink these medicines in the tablet form and they should be taken in after having a meal so that you can brush your teeth afterwards. Do not take in these medicines just before going to bed. The sugar will be left on the teeth and that will lead to the formation of the cavity. You can also chew a sugarless gum as an alternative for brushing your teeth.
Teeth and Gum Discoloration
There are some drugs also that can alter or change the color of your gums and teeth. Some of medicines include minocycline, a treatment for acne, and chlorhexidine, a gum disease treatment. The minocycline leaves a black pigmentation on the gums. Also, it leaves a grayish color on the teeth. The chlorhexidine, on the other hand, can leave a stain on the teeth.
Notice Changes to Your Teeth or Gums?
Don’t wait for it to get worse. Dr. Lynne A. March and our San Diego team can identify whether your medication is affecting your oral health — and help fix stains, bleeding, or discomfort along the way. Contact us today.
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Posted in: Oral Care