Whilst taking multiple prescription and over the counter medications can help protect your physical health and manage chronic conditions, many common medications can have a direct effect on the mouth, teeth and gums. This is known as the oral systemic connection and can cause hundreds of everyday medications to affect saliva production, change the bacteria in the mouth, cause inflamed gums and increased risk of tooth decay.

When taking regular medication it is important to be mindful about your daily dental hygiene. This article will explain how certain medications affect your mouth and will give you practical steps to help protect your teeth.

How Does Medication Affect Your Teeth And Gums?

Many prescription medications can cause unexpected side effects due to their active ingredients.

  • Antihistamines & Decongestants – These are commonly used to treat allergies and colds. They can cause dry mucus membranes.

  • Blood Pressure Medication – Many high blood pressure medications such as calcium channel blockers can cause swollen gums (Gingival Hyperplasia).

  • Anti Depressants & Sedatives – Anti depressants can cause altered nerve signaling to the salivary glands which causes severe dry mouth.

  • Steroid Inhalers (Asthma) – Using steroid inhalers can cause imbalance in the natural fungi in the mouth causing painful oral thrush.

  • Chemotherapy – Cancer treatment can cause a weakened immune system causing severe mouth ulcers and sore mucous membranes.

How Can You Beat Dry Mouth To Protect Enamel?

Saliva helps to naturally protect your mouth by washing away any food debris, neutralizing harmful acids and adding back essential minerals such as calcium and phosphate to your enamel.

  • Drink plenty of water – Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help keep your mouth hydrated.

  • Use artificial saliva – There are many over the counter saliva moisturizers available such as sprays, gels and lozenges.

  • Chew sugar free gum – Chewing gum sweetened with xylitol helps to stimulate your salivary glands.

  • Avoid dehydrating drinks – Avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, energy drinks and alcohol.

  • Use a cool mist humidifier – Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night to prevent dry mouth.

How Should You Brush And Floss Daily?

If your mouth is dry then there is less natural protection in place which can cause plaque to build up quickly. You need to follow a strict hygiene regime.

  • Brush twice daily – Brush your teeth for 2 minutes with a soft bristled brush.

  • Use high strength fluoride toothpaste – Ask your dentist for a high strength fluoride toothpaste to remineralise your enamel.

  • Floss daily – Floss between your teeth using traditional floss or inter dental brushes.

  • Scrub your tongue – Use a gentle tongue scraper to remove any bacteria, fungi or food debris that can cause bad breath.

  • Use electric toothbrush – Electric toothbrushes remove much more plaque than manual brushes. They can also help those with arthritis or poor dexterity.

How Can You Prevent Swollen Gums?

Some heart medications, immuno suppressants and anti seizure medications can cause swollen gums.

  • Monitor your gum line – Check your gums daily for any unusual swelling, redness or bleeding.

  • Gentle massage – Use a soft rubber tip stimulator or soft toothbrush to gently massage your swollen gum line to stimulate blood flow.

  • Alcohol free mouthwash – Use therapeutical alcohol free antibacterial mouthwashes to remove plaque without causing irritation or burning.

  • Deep cleans – Visit your hygienist every 3-4 months for specialist scaling to remove bacteria from deep in your gums.

How Can You Combat Acidity & Liquids?

Many cough syrups, antacids and chewable vitamin supplements can contain high levels of hidden sugars and acid which can damage your enamel.

  • Rinse with water – Rinse with water after taking any liquid medications.

  • Rinse after asthma inhalers – Rinse well with water after using your steroid inhaler to prevent fungal infections.

  • Wait 30 mins before brushing – Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing after taking acidic medications/antacids to protect your softened enamel.

  • Sugar free alternatives – If possible ask your doctor who prescribes your medication to provide you with sugar free alternatives.

How Should You Communicate With Your Dentist & Doctor?

Being open with your doctor, those prescribing your medication and your dentist can help to prevent any dental issues caused by medication.

  • Provide full medication list – Provide your dentist with a list of all your prescription medications, OTC medications and herbal supplements you take daily.

  • Inform them of new symptoms – Inform your dentist straight away if you experience dry mouth, bleeding gums, changes in taste or frequent mouth ulcers.

  • Ask about alternatives – Ask your main doctor if there are any alternative medications that can be taken which will cause less dry mouth.

  • Visit regularly – Visit your dental practice 3-4 times per year so they can spot any early signs of decay or gum inflammation.

What Should Be Included In Your Daily Dental Hygiene Checklist For Medication Users?

  • Drink plenty of fresh water throughout the day to combat dry mouth.

  • Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft brush and high strength fluoride toothpaste.

  • Floss between all your teeth once daily.

  • Use alcohol free moisturizing mouthwashes or saliva gels.

  • Rinse with water after taking any liquid medications, chewable tablets or asthma inhalers.

  • Chew sugar free xylitol gum after meals to stimulate your natural saliva flow and remove any loose food.

  • Avoid acidic drinks, caffeinated drinks, alcohol and tobacco.

  • Give your dentist an accurate list of all your prescription and OTC medications.

  • Visit your dentist every 3-4 months for professional check-ups and cleans.

What Are The Frequently Asked Questions?

Can Medication Cause Permanent Damage?

Yes. Medications that cause severe dry mouth can increase the risk of rapid tooth decay, enamel loss and severe gum infections. As there is not enough saliva to protect your teeth the enamel can easily dissolve due to the bacteria acids.

What Should I Do If My Blood Pressure Medications Are Causing My Gums To Swell?

Do not stop taking your medication. Contact your doctor and dentist immediately. Your dentist can provide deep cleans to reduce the inflammation and your doctor may prescribe an alternative medication to manage your hypertension.

Is Sugar Free Gum Safe To Chew Daily?

Yes. Sugar free gum containing xylitol is completely safe to use daily. It helps to prevent cavity causing bacteria growing and stimulates your salivary glands.

Why Am I Getting A Burning Feeling In My Mouth Since Starting A New Prescription?

Some medications can cause changes to your nerves, dry mouth or fungal infections such as oral thrush. Contact your dentist to check your mouth and find out what is causing this.

By following these tips you can look after your teeth well whilst taking multiple medications. By protecting your saliva flow, using fluoride products, changing your hygiene routine and being open with your doctors you can protect your teeth and gums for life. Book a full dental check-up today to create.