Are you on medication? One of the most common side effects of most prescription drugs is dry mouth. This can increase the risk for tooth decay. Your risk of dry mouth is increased if you are undergoing treatment and medication for any of these illnesses and chronic conditions: acne, asthma, allergies, Alzheimer’s disease, anemia, anxiety, cancer, colds, cystic fibrosis, depression, diarrhea, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, hypertension, nausea, obesity, mumps, muscle relaxant, pain relief, Parkinson’s disease, psychotic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, sedatives, and urinary tract disorders.
Unhealthy lifestyle of smoking, drinking alcohol also aggravate dry mouth. You will notice that you feel unusually ‘thirsty’ all the time.
Drugs that cause dry mouth side effects:
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Antihypertensives
- Anti-Reflux Drugs (Proton Pump Inhibitors)
- Atropine and Scopolamine
- Benzodiazepines
- Bupropion
- Cannabinoids
- Cytotoxic Drugs
- Didanosine
- Diuretics
- Ephedrine
- Interleukin-2
- Opioids
- Phenothiazines
- Protease Inhibitors
- Retinoids
To address dry mouth:
- Talk to your physician and your dentist so they can adjust or change your prescription to avoid dry mouth.
- Switch to a healthier lifestyle, consume healthy food
Related: Food that Promote Healthy Teeth and Gums (2-min. read)
-
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day to keep your mouth moist and hydrated.
- Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
- Chew gum or candy with xylitol
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste or check with your dentist on how often you should go for fluoride treatment.
Contact Minovi Dental in Dupont Circle, Washington DC at 202-822-8777 today for a consultation.
The post Is your medication affecting your oral health? (2-minute read) appeared first on Minovi Dental.
