top of page
Clearview Wordsmith

Medication and Oral Health

here are some medications that can have an adverse effect on your mouth and teeth.


Tetracycline Staining

In North America, in the 60’s and early 70’s, children who were exposed to an antibiotic called tetracycline developed varying degrees of dental problems, including discoloration of the teeth. The medication had its negative effect when either given to patients below 8 years of age, or to pregnant mothers. The medication is no longer given by dentists or physicians to these two groups.


Dry Mouth Syndrome (Xerostomia)

Dryness of the oral cavity can result from a number of factors. Medications can influence the secretion of saliva from the salivary glands. The lack of normal saliva production leads to a very dry environment in the mouth. This dry environment results in an imbalance in the normal bacteria in the mouth and can lead to an overgrowth of microorganisms that result in increased dental decay and soft tissue infections of the mouth. Without saliva, your body losses one of its natural defenses to cleanse the mouth of harmful cavity causing bacteria.



Common causes of dry mouth include certain prescription medications (eg. Antidepressants, antihistamines, pain medications, etc.), anxiety states, certain cancer therapies that might involve irradiation of the head and neck, chemotherapy, states of anxiety, Sjogren Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and certain foods and tobacco.

0 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Oral Piercing

While many people think this trend looks cool, it has many possible and harmful side effects. Common symptoms after oral piercing include...

Tobacco

The American and Canadian Dental Associations, along with all North American regional dental associations and societies have been at the...

Oral Health and Seniors

Aging and oral health North Americans are generally leading longer and healthier lives. Today's seniors are also enjoying good oral...

Comments


bottom of page