These days, it seems like there’s a pill for everything. You can get a number of medications that didn’t exist just a few decades ago at a supermarket. And for serious issues, Shelby, OH doctors prescribe the good stuff. However, every medication comes with side effects and one of the most common side effects can compromise your oral health. We’re talking about dry mouth, or xerostomia. The number of medications that can mess with the flow of saliva is astounding, which is unfortunate because saliva is an integral part of keeping your mouth healthy and clean. Dr. Miller wants you to know which medications may be harming your teeth, so read on and please call Discovery Dental with any questions or concerns.
According to the oral cancer foundation, medications that cause dry mouth are found in 42 different categories. More than 400 common medications can cause dry mouth. These include:
- Antihistamines
- Antidepressants
- Anticholinergics
- Anorexiants (appetite suppressant)
- Antihypertensives (blood pressure medication)
- Antipsychotics
- Anti-Parkinson agents
- Diuretics (promotes urine production)
- Sedatives.
- Antiemetics (for nausea and motion sickness)
- Antianxiety agents
- Decongestants
- Analgesics
- Antidiarrheals
- Bronchodilators (asthma medication)
- Skeletal muscle relaxants
Not all of these medications will produce xerostomia in every Shelby, OH resident. If you notice your mouth feels uncomfortably dry and you regularly take one or more of the above types of medications, then it may be time to talk to your doctor about reassessing your treatment. Saliva is a necessary component of digestion and it keeps teeth safe by maintaining healthy pH levels and repairing teeth after bacterial acid attacks. Dr. Miller and most dentists regard saliva as a magically wonderful substance that is often undervalued by Shelby, OH residents. The average adult produces between one and two wine bottles (750ml/25oz per bottle) of saliva per day. We at Discovery Dental encourage you to cherish your saliva and give us a call if you believe your teeth are in peril.
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