We all know that our teeth can be affected by our dental hygiene practices as well as the food and drink we consume. However, there are other things that can affect the appearance and health of the teeth, like medication that you may be taking currently, or have taken in the past. Let’s dive into this guide on some of the more common interactions between medication and teeth, and what you can do about them.
Medication And Your Teeth
Medications can affect teeth in various ways, and the impact can vary depending on the type of medication, dosage, duration of use, and individual factors. Here are some ways in which they may influence your dental health:
Dry Mouth
Some medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and certain antihypertensive (high blood pressure) drugs, can lead to reduced saliva production. You need to have an adequate amount of saliva in your mouth to maintain your oral health; saliva helps neutralize acids, cleanse the mouth, and prevent tooth decay. A dry mouth can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
What To Do About It
If you are suffering from a dry mouth, you should make sure to stay hydrated by drinking water and other cold drinks that don’t contain sugar. It is best to drink regularly in small sips to keep your mouth moistened.
You should also be diligent about your oral hygiene practices; you are at a higher risk of tooth decay if you have a dry mouth. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
While it’s good to stay hydrated, you should avoid drinks that are fizzy, full of sugar, or caffeinated. We are not suggesting that you forgo your morning cup of coffee, but it will help you significantly if you swap it for decaf after your first cup. Smoking can exacerbate dry mouth conditions, so reduce your smoking or give it up if you can.
As with all the medications and side effects listed here, you must not stop taking them—even if you think they are affecting your teeth—without consulting with your doctor first.
Tooth Discoloration from Medication
Various medications can cause discoloration of the teeth in various ways. Certain antibiotics, when given to children whose teeth are still developing, can cause permanent tooth discoloration.
These kinds of antibiotics bind with the calcium of the tooth enamel of a child’s adult teeth while they are still below the surface of the gums. Because the antibiotic has become bonded to the calcium in the teeth, it is called an intrinsic stain; meaning it is part of the tooth rather than sitting on the surface.
This stain looks fluorescent yellow when the teeth are newly erupted and changes color when exposed to sunlight. After some time, the color will be more brown or grayish. As the color is affected by sunlight, it is common to have more significant discoloration in the front teeth, with the molars at the back of the mouth being less significantly affected.
What To Do About It
Because the staining caused by antibiotics becomes part of the tooth enamel (rather than just on top of it), dental whitening might not remove this type of discoloration. You can try whitening treatments, but they are not always effective and may take longer to work than they would for a person with a different type of dental staining.
If dental bleaching treatments don’t work, or you are unhappy with your results over time, you can try dental veneers. This involves placing a thin tooth-colored shell over the front surface of your teeth, which can improve the appearance of their color and shape.
Iron Supplements
Iron supplements taken in liquid drop form can cause staining to the teeth. The iron can adhere to the teeth and show any unevenness on their surface.
What To Do About It
You may find that brushing your teeth well with whitening toothpaste is effective in removing stains from the teeth. If not, ask about whitening treatments at your next regular cleaning.
Medication May Lead to Gum Enlargement (Gingival Hyperplasia)
Certain kinds of anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and calcium channel blockers may cause overgrowth of the gum tissues. When the gums grow over the teeth, it can make it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene and may contribute to gum problems.
What To Do About It
Sometimes what you may need if you suffer from this condition is a professional cleaning. If your gum overgrowth is not too severe, our dentist may be able to push back your gums temporarily to clean any plaque or tartar from underneath.
However, if your gum enlargement causes significant difficulty in maintaining adequate oral hygiene, you may need oral surgery to reduce the overgrowth of your gums. In the case of surgery, your periodontist will excise the inflamed gum tissue to reveal the teeth underneath. They can then clean any plaque buildup from around the roots of your teeth.
Medication May Lead to Cavities (Tooth Decay)
Medications containing sugar, especially those in liquid form, can contribute to tooth decay if proper oral hygiene is not followed.
What To Do About It
Check with your doctor whether the liquid medication you are prescribed contains sugar. See if it is possible to switch to a sugar-free version instead, or whether you can take the medication in tablet form.
If neither of these options is possible, then continue to be diligent about your oral hygiene by brushing your teeth shortly after taking the medication and consider scheduling more frequent dental cleanings so your dentist can monitor your teeth more closely.
Oral Ulcers and Sores
Some drugs may increase the risk of developing oral ulcers or sores. These include ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), nicorandil (a drug sometimes used to treat angina), and beta-blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and abnormal heart rhythms.
Oral ulcers can also occur as a side effect of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Though oral ulcers do not necessarily affect the teeth directly, they can make it more difficult to brush, floss, and use mouthwash.
What To Do About It
When you are brushing your teeth, you should use a soft toothbrush; this will ensure that you cause minimal friction to the gums. Be sure to drink enough, and if drinking is painful, then focus on drinking cool liquids through a straw, avoiding anything fizzy or acidic.
It would help if you also aimed to eat soft foods and avoid anything rough or crunchy like chips or toast. It is also a good idea not to chew gum as the chewing motion can irritate the ulcers and slow the healing process.
Don't Suffer In Silence
If you are taking any of the medications mentioned above, or if you have any concerns about the appearance or health of your teeth, then we are here to help.
Are You Searching For A Martinsburg Area Dental Office For You Or Your Family?
If you’re searching for an experienced dentist please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.
