Medications can interact with teeth in special ways, and therefore cause complications that should be well-handled and treated. It is therefore important that one has adequate knowledge on how to go about finding the best solutions to these problems as far as dental as well as general health and hygiene is concerned. Should a patient develop oral complications resulting from medication, a Livermore dentist can be of great help. Therefore here is how you can prevent and control oral complications as a result of medications.
What Oral Side Effects may be Experienced by Patients?
Drugs are capable of contributing to the development of many oral conditions such as xerostomia, gingival inflammation, mouth ulcers, taste perversion as well as oral infection. Such problems can occur from the usage of prescription and nonprescription drugs, so early identification of them will aid in controlling their effects.
What Does Dry Mouth Do to Oral Health?
Xerostomia is considered one of the major side effects of medications with prevalence in various populations. Common cause results from a change in the regular production of saliva and this may be as a result of the taking of certain drugs such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure-reducing drugs among others.
Saliva is a very useful substance in one’s mouth as it aids in the removal of food debris and also in counteracting acids generated by bacteria. Dry mouth increases the occurrence of cavities, gum diseases, and halitosis because of the lack of saliva in the mouth.
What Can be Recommended to Improve the Case of Dry Mouth?
To minimize dry mouth, adequate water intake should be encouraged since water rinses the mouth and cleans it continuously. Savory and sweet sugar-free gum chewing and sucking of sweets in the mouth can boost saliva production. Night-time use of a humidifier can also be beneficial, especially in maintaining saliva production.
Besides, it is recommended not to consume coffee, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco products that contribute to the development of dry mouth. Saliva substitutes available at the counter or mouth washes which are specially developed for the treatment of dry mouth can also be of great help.
How to recognize and manage changes in taste perception?
According to the authors, side effects of certain medications include changes in the taste, in which food may have a metallic taste, bitter or less tasty. To cope with the issue of change in taste buds, one should try to spice up the food, which can also improve the taste buds.
Some other method that may help minimize the consequences of hypersensitivity, or simply the inability to really enjoy the taste of foods, is proper dental care by daily tooth brushing and flossing.
What is the Position of Dental Care Givers in Handling Complications Relating to Medication in the Mouth?
The oral complications developing from medications require checkups, and therefore it is essential to pay a visit to a dentist. It greatly depends on the kind of medication taken and the oral health status, which dental professionals can help to discuss. They can also even do deep cleaning or basic inspections to hopefully isolate these problems if there are any.
What Measures Might Help to Avoid the Side-Effects Involving the Mouth?
To minimize the effects of oral complications arising from medication use, one can brush his or her teeth, take plenty of water, and make routine dental visits. Letting your dentist know all the drugs that you are currently taking is important since they may advise on how to avoid specific complications concerning your oral health.
Conclusion
As a result, in order to preserve oral health in patients and prevent the development of complications, people should learn how to handle drug-related oral side effects. There is always communication with the healthcare providers and dental practitioners to manage the mentioned complications and oral hygiene.
