Medication can do a lot of good for your health if you suffer from an illness. However, the note on your medicine bottle that reads “side effects may vary” is always a little worrisome. Though medicine benefits your health, it can be detrimental to other parts of your body. Here are some things you need to know about how medications can affect your oral health.
Who Is More Vulnerable?
Those who take medications which can affect the mouth are obviously more likely to develop problems. These oral health issues are more often found in the elderly since they usually take many medications. Also those with a weakened immune system (due to illnesses like diabetes and cancer) are more likely to experience oral health problems caused by medicines.
What Can Happen?
Some of the most common oral health problems caused by medication use include dry mouth, abnormal bleeding, thrush (a fungal infection), affected taste, oral sores, and gingival overgrowth. There are several different types of medicines which can cause these problems such as respiratory inhalants, blood thinners, immunosuppressive agents, high blood pressure medication, chemotherapy, antihistamines, and decongestants.
How Can I Remedy Problems?
If you believe that you are developing oral health problems due to the medications you take then seek aid from your dentist. They can help treat your oral health problems, from suggesting chewing sugar-free gum for a dry mouth to prescribing antifungal medication to get rid of oral thrush.