Here at Hartwell Dentistry, there is a strong focus on how your oral health can affect your overall health and well-being. This week we will discussing how the medication you take for health issues can affect your oral health.
Do you take medication? Most people would answer yes to this question.
Did you know that medications, whether you take something for one or multiple health concerns can also be negatively affecting the health of your mouth.
With any medication there comes a long list of side effects. Some of these side effects can be obvious and serious, others are just working away in the back, going under the radar.
Now obviously you can’t stop taking your medication as it is helping and preventing other health concerns, so we are going to give you a few tips and tricks on how you can help your oral health from the effects of medication.
How can medication affect my oral health?
Now don’t be fooled, both over the counter and medications you can buy yourself can affect the health of your mouth. Medications change the environment in your mouth. From reducing the amount of saliva flow to introducing more sugar or acid. All these changes shift the pH balance in your mouth causing an array of different dental concerns.
Most commonly, medication cause dry mouth. Whilst dry mouth might seem like a relatively small concern it is a major contributor to gum disease and tooth decay.
What symptoms should I look out for?
You may experience one or more of the following symptoms;
- Bleeding gums
- Bone loss
- Inflammed or puffy gums
- Cavities
- Staining
- Mouth sores
- Altered taste
- Thrush or yeast infection
If you suffer from some of these symptoms, stay tuned for next week blog with Hartwell Dentistry, we will discussing what medications are linked to specific oral health concerns.