Have you ever wondered why your dentist needs such detailed information about your medications? Drugs and herbals have oral side effects that effect dental treatment and oral health.
Dry mouth is one of the most common oral side effects in medicine. Among others, these types of medications can cause dry mouth:
- Pain Killers
- High Blood Pressure Medications
- Some antidiarrhea drugs
- Some antipsychotic drugs
Dry mouth is a bigger problem than you might think. It can be uncomfortable and lead to serious health problems. If you lack adequate saliva, you are more prone to gum disease, oral yeast infections and cavities. Dry mouth can lead to difficulties is speaking, tasting and chewing.
It is also a sign of an underlying condition such as diabetes or Sjogrens and is a common side effect of radiation treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your physician and dentist.
- dry or sticky feeling in your mouth
- trouble chewing, speaking, swallowing or eating
- dry, cracked tongue
- frequent cracked lips
- a burning feeling in your mouth
For addition information:
Springs Oral Health, Dr Matthew Burton