Side Effects of Medications on Oral Health - Effects of Medication on Dental Health

Side Effects of Medications on Oral Health
Nov 28, 2006
The Ohio State University Abdel Rahim Mohammad, DDS, MS, MPH, FAAOM, FACD
University of Cincinnati

Medications often have side effects, besides dry mouth, that can have a harmful effect on other parts of the body, including the mouth.

These side effects can include:
* Swollen or bleeding gums.
* Overgrowth of gum tissue.
* Fungal infections, such as thrush - some oral inhalers may cause this type of infection.
* Weakness and tiredness - the adult could become too tired to care about hygiene.
* Confusion.
* A condition called "tardive dyskinesia." This causes unusual and repetitive mouth movement.
* Tooth decay - many medications have added sugar or are syrupy - and this can contribute to tooth decay.

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