Medications and the Effects on the Oral Cavity

Post by: Gerarda on 23 Aug 2022

Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, painkillers, diuretics and even radiation therapy for cancer can cause the salivary glands to reduce saliva production in the mouth. Saliva controls the number of bacteria and fungi in the mouth and help wash away any remaining particles of food after eating or drinking.

Medications can have various negative effects on the oral cavity. Some common effects include dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and other oral health issues, as well as changes in taste and an increase in plaque and tartar build-up. Certain medications can also cause inflammation or discoloration of the gums and tongue. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider or dentist about any potential oral side effects of any medications you are taking. They may be able to recommend ways to mitigate these effects or suggest alternative medications.

Commonly used medications & the negative effects on the oral cavity:

Antihistamines – which are commonly used to treat allergies, can cause dry mouth, which can then lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and infection.

Decongestants, which are used to relieve nasal congestion, can also cause dry mouth and a change in taste.

Antidepressants – such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can cause dry mouth and changes in taste, as well as an increased risk of oral infections.

Painkillers, such as opioids, can also cause dry mouth and may lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Diuretics – which are used to remove excess fluid from the body, can cause dry mouth and an increased risk of tooth decay.

Radiation therapy for cancer – can also affect the oral cavity, causing dry mouth, changes in taste, and an increased risk of tooth decay and infection. It is important for individuals undergoing radiation therapy to maintain good oral hygiene and have regular dental check-ups.

As you can see, many medications can have a significant impact on oral health. It is important to inform your dentist or dental hygienist of any medications you are taking when you have a dental examination / dental check-up, as they can help monitor any potential oral side effects and make recommendations for maintaining your oral health.

The Effects of Cigarettes on Your Teeth

Post by: Gerarda on 01 Mar 2022

Smoking cigarettes can have a number of negative effects on teeth and gums. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can cause discoloration of the teeth, and smoking can also lead to bad breath and an increased risk of gum disease.

Additionally, smoking can slow down the healing process after dental procedures, and can also increase the risk of oral cancer.

It is important to note that these effects can happen with other forms of tobacco use as well, such as the use of e-cigarettes or vaping devices or snuff.

Vaping, in particular, can also lead to dry mouth which can be a contributing factor to tooth decay, gum disease and oral infections. Using smokeless tobacco (snuff) can also cause discoloration, bad breath, and an increased risk of oral cancer.

It is significant to note that all forms of tobacco use can have detrimental effects on oral health.

Make a dental appointment today, to have a dental check-up / dental examination, especially if you are a smoker. This is not something to put off.

Tooth Enamel and Erosion

Post by: Gerarda on 08 Aug 2019

What is tooth enamel?
Tooth enamel is that hard, shiny layer of material which protects your teeth against decay. It is the layer of material that you are to brush and floss on a daily basis. To be more precise, it is hydroxyapatite, a translucent calcium phosphate. Suffice it to say enamel is the hardest mineral element in your body, even harder than bone. Don´t be fooled though as it still can be damaged.

What causes enamel to be damaged or eroded?
• Poor oral hygiene
• Acidic food & drinks (lemon juice, limes, grapefruits, grapes, pineapples, pomegranates, blueberries) to name a few
• Soft drinks in excess
• High sugar and starch diet
• Teeth grinding – wears away the enamel and leaves the dentin exposed
• Medications (antihistamines, decongestants, high blood pressure medications (including diuretics & calcium channel blockers), antidepressants, sedatives, pain medications, antacids
• Dry mouth – xerostomia, where the saliva glands don´t make enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. Many times this is a side effect of medication or radiation therapy.
• Acid reflux that occurs more than a couple of times a week
• Gastrointestinal problems – repeated vomiting from GI problems or eating disorders

What does tooth erosion look or feel like?
When your teeth become rough and irregular, or serrated like a saw blade you know the enamel has eroded. Essentially you reshape your teeth. You can experience sever sensitivity to both cold and hot temperatures and to sweets. You can also feel a shooting pain through one or more teeth so much so that it makes your eyes squint.

Can tooth erosion be repaired?
Once tooth enamel is gone, it´s gone. Teeth need to be rebuilt with composite restorations, crowns or veneers. The advantage of composite restorations is that it is a comparatively inexpensive and a conservative way to restore teeth. The result is immediate. More extensively damaged teeth might necessitate a porcelain veneer or porcelain crown.

You only get one set of permanent teeth; therefore, you might as well look after them. They are not meant to bite off thread or to open a bottle cap in a pinch. Your teeth need to be healthy as they not only serve to make us look good, but they also aid in digestion. As your mouth is the beginning of the digestive system it stands to reason that if you have digestive problems then you look to the overall health of your mouth as well as your stomach to determine the problem.

Begin by looking at your teeth and see whether any of the above symptoms are similar to yours. If they are then you know what to do. Call your dentist for a check-up.