It’s standard practice for healthcare providers to find out which medications their patients are taking. Our patients sometimes wonder why we ask them about prescription medications before their dental visit.
Here’s why:
Some meds—prescription or over-the-counter—can affect oral health or dental treatment.
Bleeding Issues
Heparin/warfarin and other anticoagulants can lead to abnormal bleeding, because they affect your ability to clot. If you undergo oral surgery, it’s essential for your dentist to know if you are taking these meds.
Metallic Taste
Some cardiovascular agents, central nervous system stimulants, respiratory inhalants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, and smoke deterrent drugs have been known to have a metallic or bitter taste in your mouth. This doesn’t necessarily affect dental treatment, but overdoing sugary breath mints increases your risk of cavities.
Abnormal Gums
Do you feel as though your gums are significantly bigger in proportion to your teeth?
Enlarged gum tissue (in dental speak ‘gingival hyperplasia’) is an overgrowth of the gum tissue around your teeth. Gingival hyperplasia can make your gums appear more prominent than your teeth. It can be caused by poor oral hygiene or drugs. These include antiseizure drugs, calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem), or immunosuppressants. If you are taking these drugs, be certain you are paying close attention to your teeth and gum care.
Dry Mouth
Over 400 prescription medications can cause or complicate dry mouth. This long list includes, but is not limited to; antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, high blood pressure medicines, and muscle relaxers.
Chronic dry mouth can elevate the risk of cavities. Saliva contains minerals that help enamel stay strong. Saliva also plays a role in controlling plaque.
When you come into Your Time Dental Urgent Care for your dental visit, be prepared to let us know which prescription meds you are taking along with the dosage. This helps us provide the first-rate dental care you deserve.
Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:
Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):
South Shore – Gibsonton
13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128
FishHawk – Lithia
5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-519-0128
