Oral Health Hub

Whether you’re taking prescription drugs or herbal supplements, medication can take a toll on your teeth. Here are some of the most common side effects.
 

Dry mouth 

A decrease in saliva increases your risk of oral infections and tooth decay. 

The medicinal culprits can be:

• Antidepressants 
• Antihistamines 
• Asthma inhalers 
• Diuretics 
• Anti-anxiety drugs 
• Anticonvulsants 
• Decongestants 
• Muscle relaxants
• Narcotic painkillers

Cavities

Sugar, syrups and other sweeteners in medication can put your teeth at risk. Always read the labels when selecting over-the-counter medicines, and don’t forget to rinse or brush after your dose. 

The medicinal culprits can be:

• Cough syrups
• Cough drops
• Chewable or gummy vitamins
• Antacid tablets
• Liquid medications

Overgrowth of gum tissue

Gingival enlargement causes painful, inflamed gums that grow over the teeth.

The medicinal culprits can be:

• Anti-seizure medications 
• Immunosuppressant drugs given after organ transplants 
• Calcium channel blockers (used to treat high blood pressure, migraines and Raynaud’s syndrome)

Mouth ulcers

These painful sores generally appear on the inside of the cheeks.

The medicinal culprits can be:

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Beta blockers (used to prevent heart attacks and treat hypertension)
• Nicorandil (used to treat chest pain)
• Penicillin
• Chemotherapy drugs

Enamel stains

Your pearly whites may appear significantly less white as a result of these medications. 

The medicinal culprits can be:

• Antihistamines
• Antipsychotic drugs
• Drugs for high blood pressure 
• Tetracycline and doxycycline (antibiotics) 
• Antiseptic mouth rinses that contain chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride

Thrush

Yeast infections of the mouth appear as white fungus on the tongue and throat.

The medicinal culprits can be:

• Antibiotics
• Birth control pills
• Corticosteroids

Loss of bone tissue

By leaching minerals from your bone, some medications can increase your chance of losing teeth.

The medicinal culprits can be:

• Bisphosphonates (used to treat cancer and prevent osteoporosis)
• Antacids that contain aluminum
• Steroids
• Anti-seizure medications
• Antidepressants
• Hormone blockers (used to treat hormone-linked cancers and endometriosis)

Abnormal bleeding

Blood-thinning medications can cause problems during oral surgery, periodontal treatment or even flossing.

The medicinal culprits can be:

• Aspirin
• Antacids that contain aluminum
• Anti-stroke drugs
• Heart disease medications

What do I do if medications are affecting my oral health?

Talk to your physician about your side effects, and always give your dentist a complete list of medications you’re taking, both prescription and over-the-counter. Your dentist will be able to help you minimize these side effects and protect your oral health.