Oral Side Effects of Medications
By American Dental Association, 1999

Many medications have associated side effects, some of what can affect your oral health.
Studies suggest that two out of every five adults take some type of medication that could have dental-related side effects. With age, the likelihood of taking such a medication almost doubles.

In most cases, oral side effects of medication resolve shortly after you stop taking the medication. The following are some common oral side effects.

Dry Mouth
Antihistamines as well as many other drugs can cause a decrease in saliva, which can leave your mouth prone to a number of problems. When the soft tissues of the mouth are constantly dry, they can become inflamed, painful and more susceptible to infection. Tooth decay can develop without the cleansing and buffering effects of an adequate salivary flow. Chronic dry mouth can also create problems for people who wear dentures. A light film of saliva on the oral tissues typically helps hold dentures in place. You can alleviate dry mouth by drinking more water or using sugarless lozenges or gum to stimulate the flow of saliva. Your dentist or physician also can recommend an artificial saliva if necessary to help keep your oral tissues lubricated. In some cases, medication can be prescribed to increase saliva flow.

Gum Tissue Overgrowth
Overgrowth of the gum tissue is also referred to as gingival hyperplasia. It is associated primarily with anti-seizure medications, immunosupressant drugs such as those taken after organ transplants, and calcium channel blockers taken by some heart patients.

The overgrowth of tissue can make good oral hygiene difficult. For this reason, your dentist may recommend a gingivectomy (a procedure used to remove the excess tissue).

Some studies suggest that gingival hyperplasia can be controlled if a meticulous oral hygiene program is started at the same time or before you start taking the medication.

Soft-Tissue Reactions
Some medications have been linked to the development of oral sores, inflammation or a discoloration of the soft tissues.

The types of medications associated with these effects include those prescribed for blood pressure control, immunosuppressive agents and oral contraceptives as well as some chemotherapeutic agents.

Your dentist may prescribe an oral hygiene regimen to limit the discomfort associated with such oral ulcers or inflammation.

Abnormal Bleeding
A side effect of aspirin and the intended effect of prescribed anticoagulants - like heparin or warfarin - is reduced blood clotting. This can be helpful in the treatment of strokes or heart disease, but can cause bleeding problems during oral surgery or periodontal treatment.

Your dentist will need to consider this side effect when scheduling any treatment that could involve bleeding.

Tooth Discoloration
Use of tetracycline products when teeth are developing can cause permanent staining in those teeth. This can be a concern for expectant mothers during the last half of a pregnancy of for young children whose permanent teeth are still developing.

Cosmetic dentistry techniques, or in some cases bleaching may be used to enhance a smile that has tetracycline induced stains.

Talk to your dentist about any medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter varieties. He or she may be able to discuss any potential side effects with you and limit influence on your oral health. More importantly, your dentist may need this information to provide safe and effective dental care.

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