Many medications can affect the health of your teeth and gums. Some drugs dry out the tissues in your mouth in ways that leave you vulnerable to dental problems, for example, while other drugs can cause abnormal bleeding of your gums. Medications affecting your dental health may be prescription or nonprescription drugs. Even herbal medications can cause oral health issues.

At Dental Health 360° we strive to provide the best and most comprehensive dental care possible, and that means working as an integral part of your medical support team.

By completing a medical history and telling us about any medications you are taking, you make it possible for our dentists to provide the best possible care for you and your teeth. You may not know it, but many commonly prescribed medications can have an impact on your oral health, and some can even make cavities and other dental problems more likely.

Sharing your oral health challenges can also make it easy for your doctor, and our dentists, to diagnose certain physical illnesses. For instance, many older adults simply assume that dry mouth is a normal sign of aging, but it can actually be a sign of serious medical conditions.

Dry mouth is a common symptom in those suffering from diabetes. If your mouth is dry and you are drinking plenty of water, you should share your concerns with your doctor and your dentist.

It is also important to talk to your doctor about the possible oral health side effects of commonly prescribed medications. Medicines used to treat allergies, asthma, cholesterol, high blood pressure and anxiety can cause an increase in cavities, something your dentist needs to know about.

At Dental Health 360, we encourage our patients to bring a list of their current medications with them to their exams. If any of your medications have changed, or if the dosage has been raised or lowered, you should let your dentist know before proceeding with the exam.

The list of prescription and over-the-counter medications that can make cavities more likely and impact your oral health is a long one, and there are new medications coming to market every day. Instead of providing a comprehensive list of those medications here, the best advice is to know what you are taking, why you are taking it and what the possible side effects could be.

If your doctor prescribes a new medication, ask about any potential oral health side effects. Regardless of whether the medication lists those side effects, you should still let your dentist know that you are taking it.

Your dentist is an integral part of your health care team, and they need to understand your full medical history to provide you with the best possible care.

Book your appointment with Dental Health 360° near you with our Paramus or Clifton Dentists in NJ or Spring Valley Dentists in NY today. Call us or contact us online!