Could Your Medications Be Affecting Your Smile?
It’s not uncommon for a new medication to come with a list of side effects—but what many people don’t realize is that some of those effects can show up in your mouth. Whether it’s the antihistamine that helps with your allergies or the blood pressure medication that supports your heart health, these essential treatments might also be quietly changing your oral health.
Why Your Dental Team Needs to Know About Your Medications
We know your medication list may seem unrelated to your dental checkup, but sharing this information helps us provide better care for you. When we know what medications you’re taking, we can:
- Anticipate potential side effects that might affect your smile
- Adjust our treatment approach to keep you comfortable and safe
- Recommend specific home care strategies tailored to your needs
Even dietary supplements and over-the-counter medications matter. Anything you can buy at a drugstore without a prescription—including but not limited to vitamin gummies, herbal supplements, aspirin, allergy medication, cough suppressants, topical treatments—all contribute to your overall health picture. Knowing about them helps us provide truly personalized care.
How Your Medications Might Be Affecting Your Mouth
Dry Mouth
Does your mouth feel unusually dry lately? Many medications, including antihistamines, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and muscle relaxers, can reduce saliva flow. And while it might seem like an annoying side effect, saliva is an important part of your mouth’s natural defense system! It helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and protect teeth from decay.
What you can do: Sip water throughout the day, try sugar-free lozenges, or ask us about special mouth rinses to help keep your mouth comfortable.
Tender or Puffy Gums
Have you noticed your gums looking a little puffier than usual? Some medications, particularly those for seizures or certain heart conditions, can cause changes in your gum tissue. This extra tissue can create hiding places for plaque and bacteria, making it harder to keep your teeth clean.
What you can do: Extra-diligent brushing and flossing are key. We might also recommend more frequent cleanings to help you maintain your gum health.
Increased Bleeding During Dental Work
If you take blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin, your blood may not clot as quickly during dental procedures. Don’t worry—this doesn’t mean you can’t have dental work done! We just need to know in advance so we can take extra precautions to ensure your comfort and safety.
What you can do: Always update us on your medications before procedures, even if it’s just daily aspirin.
Strange Tastes or Uncomfortable Sensations
If you’re experiencing a weird metallic taste or tingling sensation in your mouth, it could be related to your medication. Several drugs can alter taste perception or cause soft tissue discomfort.
What you can do: Let us know about these changes, as we may have solutions that can help make your mouth more comfortable.
We’re Your Partners in Health
At Smile Dental Clinics, we see ourselves as an important part of your healthcare team because your general health and oral health are connected in so many ways, and we’re committed to understanding the full picture.
Have you started a new medication recently? Have you noticed changes in how your mouth feels? Let’s talk about it during your next visit! Or better yet, give us a call at our dental office located in Phoenix, AZ, and our team will be happy to answer your questions. Your smile matters to us, and we’re here to help you protect it!
