Medications and YOUR SMILE

Good oral hygiene is pivotal to oral health. But there are also other things that should be considered while maintaining your oral health. Medicines that are formulated to make your health better can also be the cause of deteriorating oral health. The dentists at Compassion Smiles believe that prevention is better than cure. Hence, here is all you need to know how medications affect your smile.

Are Medications Ruining YOUR SMILE?

Some of the medicines we use today are known to cause a reduction in the flow of saliva. This leads to a state known as Xerostomia, a condition where one’s mouth is persistently dry. A person who suffers from it usually complains about the constant sore throat, difficulty speaking and swallowing, burning sensation, hoarseness and dry nasal passage.

More than 20% of adults in the US suffer from Xerostomia. Medications of high blood pressure, cancer, allergies etcetera can lead to this condition.

The Importance of Saliva

Saliva performs many functions to maintain your oral health. Saliva controls the level of bacteria as well as fungi in your mouth. It also protects your oral tissues by lubricating them and neutralising the decay-causing acids. Furthermore, saliva also contains substances that are essential in the process of remineralisation. This process helps in repairing damaged enamel. Hence, saliva deficiency can lead to innumerable oral problems.

If you have symptoms like consistent dry mouth, hoarseness etcetera, contact your dentist immediately. The professionals at Compassion Smiles would be more than willing to help you figure out the right solution for your problem.

Tips for Relief:

Here are some tips that can help you prevent “Dry Mouth”:

• Make sure to brush and floss after every meal.
• Reduce your sugar intake.
• Take prescription for products that moisturise your mouth.
• Drink more water and use a humidifier in your bedroom.
• Avoid salty food, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and carbonated drinks.
• Chew on sugarless gum.
• Lastly, consult our doctors regarding the side effects of your medication.

If the symptoms of dry mouth are not treated, it can lead to problems like tooth decay and gum problems. If you want your medications to be checked, consult the experts at Compassion Smiles today.