Medicine and Dental Health

Almost all medications have side effects and sometimes these can impact your oral health. For example, there are more than 400 over-the-counter and prescription medications that can cause dry mouth as a side effect. The more common ones are antidepressants, antihistamines, and diuretics. Staining of the teeth is another common side effect of some medications including tranquilizers, oral contraceptives, and anti-malarials. Drugs commonly used to treat chest pain and heart conditions can also lead to gingivitis. It is important to discuss any concerns about your medication with both your doctor and your dentist. Careful monitoring can help minimize any side effects’ impact on your oral health.