Is Your Medicine Cabinet Causing Your Dental Problems?
It can be frustrating and even confusing when the prescriptions you rely on to stay healthy are also damaging your smile. There are many medications that cause side effects within your mouth, symptoms can include altered taste, oral thrush, tender gums and burning mouth. However, there is one side effect that is most prevalent and most harmful: dry mouth.
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common dental concern that can wreak havoc on your oral health over time. We all need adequate amounts of saliva in order to rinse away food debris and bacteria after we eat. Saliva also helps to neutralize acids within our mouth so that they don’t erode our tooth enamel and make us more vulnerable to decay. Dry mouth has been known to cause gum disease and tooth decay if left unchecked. Considering that both of these dental problems can lead to tooth loss, it is critical that you don’t ignore the oral health consequences of your medications.
Not sure if your medicine is causing your dry mouth or frequent need for dental fillings? Here is a list of common prescription culprits:
- Antacids (Tums, Prilosec, and Alka-Seltzer)
- Pain Medications
- Antihistamines and Decongestants
- High Blood Pressure Medication (Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics)
At the office of Dr. Wayne Suway, we can help you investigate the root cause of your dry mouth, gum disease or tooth decay. If your medication is the culprit, there are ways we can preserve your oral health and still allow you to take the medications you need for a healthy body. If tooth loss has occurred at the expense of your medication need, we have a full menu of tooth replacement solutions, including complete implant dentistry, to restore your smile.
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1820 The Exchange SE, #600
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (770) 953-1752
FAX: (770) 953-6470
Mon - Thu: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PMClosed for lunch: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
