Bad Teeth? The Culprit Might Be in Your Medicine Cabinet

Posted on: 4 August 2015

A lot of the substances that you put in your mouth can actually damage your teeth over time. For instance, coffee can stain your teeth and turn them yellow. Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause severe damage to teeth as can certain types of acidic foods. Even seemingly benign substances can damage your teeth. For example, did you know that some of the medications your doctor prescribes can cause gum disease and tooth decay? In addition to prescription drugs, some over-the-counter drugs and many illicit street drugs can cause damage. So if you're having issues with your teeth and you're not sure why, the culprit might be in your medicine cabinet. 

Drugs that Cause Damage

Not all drugs cause problems with your teeth and gums, but some do. Some of the most common drugs that can affect your oral health include antihistamines, aspirin, asthma medications, immunosuppressive drugs, oral contraceptives and liquid medications. While some medications attack your teeth directly, such as aspirin, others cause certain mouth conditions that aren't conducive to good oral health. For example, some medications cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of disease and decay. 

How to Stop Further Damage

If your medication is harming your gums and teeth, you should talk to your doctor about it. There may be another medication or another method of delivery that won't hurt your teeth as much. If you can't change or alter your medication, there may be a few treatments that can help protect your teeth from further damage, such as fluoride treatments and sealants. Your doctor may also recommend using a certain mouthwash or treatment at home. 

Fix Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

If you already have noticeable damage from taking medications, you may be able to fix your smile with cosmetic dentistry. Procedures that may be applicable in your situation include whitening, fillings, crowns, dental implants, veneers and more. If you have excessive gum tissue due to gum disease, you can have it trimmed and shaped at your dentist's office as well. 

The procedures that your dentist recommends for you will depend primarily on your goals and the current amount of damage that you have. In severe cases, your dentist may have to pull decayed teeth and use implants, dentures or bridges to restore your smile. 

Medications, even those prescribed by your doctor, can cause gum disease and tooth decay. If your teeth are damaged due to a medication that you take regularly, visit a clinic like Flemington Family & Cosmetic Dental Group to talk to a dentist about your options. 

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Stopping Tooth Decay Before It Ruins Lives

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