Are you used to taking medication? Distrust, because some can affect your oral health. These harmful side effects are confirmed by the French Union for Oral Health (UFSBD) and by our expert, the pharmacist Aurélien Tesson.
What drugs can affect your mouth and teeth?
All drugs have no effect on the oral cavity. But some, widely used, can cause notable inconvenience. Here are the main ones concerned according to Dr. Tesson:
- Immunosuppressants (For example, D-Penicillamine): they generate an alteration of taste (dysgueusia), even total loss of taste (AGUEUSIE). “”In my opinion, there is no direct danger for oral health“nuance, however, Aurélien Tesson;
- Antihypertensors (Physiotens, Esturic, Catapressan, Hyperium): “They are responsible for xerostomia, that is to say with oral drought, which reduces natural protection against cavities“;
- Anxiolytics (Valium, Deprenyl, Buspar, Akineton): they decrease salivary production, exposing to an increased risk of cavities and infections;
- Aspirin : it can cause oral ulcers, especially when it is chewed or left for too long in the mouth. “”We then speak of misuse of the drug “ specifies the pharmacist;
- Hypnotics (Imovane): They too are sources of oral drought, with indirect consequences on enamel and gums;
- Opioid analgesics (Skenan, Acupan, Topalgic, Dicodin): they reduce salivation, opening the door to cavities and bacterial infections;
- Antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, Seropram): They frequently cause persistent xerostomy, particularly problematic in patients under long -term treatment.
Why do these drugs disrupt oral health?
How to explain these effects? This comes mainly from saliva. Essential to oral health, it neutralizes acids, remineralizes enamel, lubricates the mucous membranes and eliminates food debris. When it becomes scarce or changes in quality, the consequences appear quickly: cavities, gingivitis, candidiasis …
“”A reduction in salivary production or alteration of its composition can clearly worsen the risks of periodontal diseases and oral infections “ confirms Aurélien Tesson.
How to limit damage? The advice of our pharmacist
Fortunately, simple gestures can protect your mouth without giving up your treatments. Here are the practical recommendations of our expert:
- Regular hydration, drinking water throughout the day to compensate for the oral drought;
- Salivary stimulation, by chewing chewing gums without sugar or sucking acid-on candy to restart the production of saliva;
- Rigorous dental hygiene by brushing the teeth twice a day, without forgetting the dental wire and the soft mouthwash in the event of drought;
- Regular consultations, to see his dentist in prevention, especially in the event of chronic drug treatment.
“It is essential to raise awareness of these oral side effects, so that they can adopt the right reflexes without compromising their treatment” concludes the pharmacist.