Whether you’re a senior, in your 40s, or an adolescent, you probably take or have taken daily medication to manage a chronic illness or disease, or prescription vitamins to maintain a healthy lifestyle and balance hormones. Most Americans are prescribed at least one prescription medication with over 60% of American adults taking at least one medication daily. 

These medications can affect overall health, some with a short list of side effects while others have countless side effects. While not everyone experiences side effects, some can be a nuisance and can affect your oral health. Some side effects like dry mouth or swollen gums can greatly impact oral hygiene. 

If you’re among the over one hundred million Americans taking prescription medications, keep reading to learn how prescriptions affect oral health and for some tips for lessening these side effects.

Medications & Oral Side Effects

Nearly every medication lists side effects, some common ones like nausea and drowsiness, while others list less common and serious side effects like rash and cognitive effects. Though side effects like insomnia, headache, and stomach issues can be irritating, they’re often only prevalent while starting a medication and subside as your body adjusts. However, oral side effects can last the whole time you’re on medication, especially medications for thyroid diseases, asthma, antidepressants, and chronic illnesses.

Common oral side effects include gingivitis, an increased risk of developing oral candidiasis (or fungal infection), and xerostomia (or dry mouth). These side effects aren’t just annoying, they often cause other issues like bad breath and an overall increase in bacteria in the mouth. 

Not only is dry mouth uncomfortable, but it can lead to tooth decay. Some medications will slow the production of saliva, drying out the mouth and making it uncomfortable and difficult to swallow, speak, and eat. When your mouth produces an adequate amount of saliva, bacteria are reduced, acids are neutralized, and your mouth is healthier because the saliva washes away foods and sugars, preventing them from resting on the teeth. Lack of saliva will stall all of this, causing bacteria to grow and multiply, possibly causing tooth sensitivity and tooth decay.

Other oral side effects like swollen gums and fungal infections can be a nuisance and lead to an uncomfortable mouth. They can also increase your chance of developing periodontal disease, a serious gum disease.

How to Combat Oral Side Effects

Understanding how dangerous oral side effects can be, it’s paramount to try to combat these oral side effects while you’re taking the medication causing the issue. Below are some tips for combating oral side effects:

Drink More Water

Drinking ample water daily has many benefits, including keeping your teeth cleaner and soothing a dry mouth. Carry a water bottle throughout the day, ensuring you drink at least 8 cups. Sipping water all day will keep your mouth hydrated, helping ease the drug side effects on teeth.

Chew Sugar-free Gum

If you suffer from medication-related dental problems, chewing sugar-free gum can help. Sugar-free gum can help increase saliva production. Medications and dental issues often occur because they halt saliva production, so chewing on sugar-free gum is beneficial and will keep your mouth more comfortable. Look for sugar-free gum with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance, like Trident, Orbit, and Stride’s sugar-free gum options.

Use a Mouthwash for Dry Mouth

Adding a mouthwash for dry mouth can keep your mouth less dry and combat bad breath associated with dry mouth and medications. Many mouthwashes available at a drug store contain alcohol, an ingredient that can exacerbate dry mouth symptoms, so look for one that’s dry mouth friendly. The ADA gives its seal of acceptance to mouthwashes that claim to alleviate dry mouth provided they have the data to prove their product is effective and safe.

Visit a Dentist

Schedule an appointment with your family dentist if you’re experiencing medication-related dental problems like dry mouth, swollen gums, and bad breath. They can help alleviate drug side effects on teeth, like adjusting your medications and prescribing medications that can alleviate your dry mouth symptoms.

Trust Rhoades Family Dentistry with your Medication-related Dental Problems

Rhoades Family Dentistry would love to help with your dental care while taking medications. We understand dental health precautions with meds and have treated patients of all ages who take medications and experience dental issues. Our dentists and hygienists have extensive training and Dr. Amy Rhoades Hahn and Dr. Rachel Pitts Driscoll are both members of the American Dental Association. 

Whether you need relief from drug side effects on teeth, are due for a cleaning, or are experiencing other dental issues, trust Rhoades Family Dentistry for your dental care. We provide all dental services and treatments including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, emergency dentistry, dental implants, and more. 

If you need dental care for the entire family, Rhoades Family Dentistry would love to be your family dentist! We’re family-owned and operated with a team of dedicated professionals who are members of the American Dental Association, American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, and many other dental associations. Our staff has undergone extensive training to provide all our patients with the best dental care.

Book an appointment today by scrolling up and clicking “BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” on the top left of your screen or by calling (913) 782-8900. We look forward to serving you by providing excellent dental care and giving your family healthy holiday smiles!