Medications and Drugs – Dental Side Effects

In this blog we discuss the side effects sometimes associated with common medication and how we can limit the effect these have on your dental health

The next time you take medication, consider this: What effect will this medicine have on my mouth and teeth? While medicines are designed to improve your health, some of them may carry the risk of side effects, and many are known to cause oral issues. Drugs for treating cancer, high blood pressure, severe pain, depression, allergies, and even the common cold may negatively affect dental health. This is why it’s crucial for your dentist to be informed about all the medications you are using, including over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements.

We can help our patient’s counteract these side effects so that their dental health is maintained whilst they continue to take the medication they need for their systemic health.

Here are some common oral side effects associated with some medications:

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Certain medications can decrease saliva production, leading to an uncomfortably dry mouth, known as xerostomia. Saliva helps keep your mouth moist and healthy, so without enough of it, the tissues in your mouth can become irritated and inflamed. This increases your risk for infections, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Did you know that over 400 different medications can cause dry mouth? It’s a common side effect of multiple medications and in most cases we, the dentist, can provide patients with saliva stimulants to ensure their oral health is not negatively affected by this.

Fungal Infection

Using certain inhaler medications for asthma can sometimes result in a yeast infection in the mouth, known as oral candidiasis. To help prevent this side effect, it is advisable to rinse your mouth with water after using an inhaler.

Gum Swelling (Gingival Overgrowth)

Certain medications can cause your gum tissue to swell and grow over your teeth—a condition known as gingival overgrowth. This excessive growth of gum tissue can increase your risk of periodontal disease. The swollen gums create a perfect environment for bacteria, which can harm the surrounding tooth structures.

Having existing dental plaque also raises your risk of gingival overgrowth. Good oral hygiene around the gum ‘pockets’ and more frequent visits to the dentist (perhaps every three months) can help lower your chances of developing this condition. Our dental team provides our patients with a tailored plan to ensure we can prevent problems associated with your gums from creating irreversible damage to your dental health.

Inflammation of the Lining Inside the Mouth (Mucositis)

Mucositis refers to the inflammation of the moist tissue lining the mouth and digestive tract, known as the mucous membrane. This condition is a common side effect of chemotherapy treatments. Certain chemotherapy drugs, such as methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil, are believed to trigger a series of biological changes that alter the cells of the mucous membranes. Mucositis can cause painful swelling of the mouth and tongue, leading to issues like bleeding, pain, and mouth ulcers, making it difficult to eat.

You’re more likely to develop mucositis after undergoing treatment with certain drugs such as Methotrexate or Alemtuzumab if you drink alcohol, use tobacco, neglect oral hygiene, are dehydrated, or have conditions such as diabetes, HIV, or kidney disease.

Making small changes and improvements to your oral health regime can significantl help with Mucositis and our dental team provide tailored advice to each of our patients to help them with this.

Mouth Sores (Ulcers)

A mouth ulcer is an open sore that can develop inside the mouth or on the tongue. These sores often resemble “craters” because of the noticeable hole in the middle, which is actually a break in the moist tissue, or mucous membrane, lining the mouth. Mouth sores are also commonly known as canker sores.

Many drugs can cause Mucositis and Mouth Ulcers inerchangeably because both of these conditions are due to a biological change to the cells of the mucosa (the soft lining of the mouth and digestive tract).

Taste Changes, Including Metallic Taste

Medications can sometimes affect your sense of taste, a condition known as dysgeusia. This can make food taste different or cause an unusual metallic, salty, or bitter taste in your mouth. Taste changes are especially common among elderly patients who are on multiple medications. Fortunately, these changes are usually temporary and typically disappear once you stop taking the medication.

Tooth Discoloration

Back in the 1950s, doctors found that taking tetracycline antibiotics during pregnancy could lead to children having brownish-colored teeth. This happens because tetracycline settles into the calcium that the body uses to form teeth. As a result, when the teeth come in, they have a yellowish hue that gradually turns brown with exposure to sunlight.

Interestingly, tetracycline does not cause tooth discoloration if taken after all teeth have formed. It only affects tooth color if the medicine is used before the primary or secondary teeth erupt.

Nowadays, tetracycline and similar antibiotics are not recommended for use during pregnancy or for young children under the age of 8, whose teeth are still developing.

Thank you for reading and please contact myself and our team if you want to discuss your dental health.

Mohsin Patel