Could Your Medication Be Ruining Your Teeth?
Many are aware that stuffing chocolates and cakes is bad for their teeth, but did you know that the medication you take could also have negative implications for your oral health?
Every day thousands of people in the UK use medicines, which could potentially spell trouble for their teeth.
Oral inhalers are commonly used to help breathing in patients who suffer from asthma. The medicine works by relaxing the muscles in the airway, which makes it much easier to breathe. Despite the benefits of inhalers, studies conducted by researchers in Australia and Scandinavia, show that using inhalers can increase the risk of cavities.
Inhalers that contain powder, which is supposed to taste better, are particularly damaging for the teeth, as the residual powder can linger in the mouth. Dr Mervyn Druian, from the London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry, said that oral hygiene is very important for people who use inhalers. He also advised patients to rinse their mouth out with water after using their inhaler and to see a dental hygienist three times per year.
Antibiotics can also have side-effects, which affect oral health. Many medicines can contribute to discolouration of the teeth. Tetracycline is particularly well-known for causing staining and it is not given to pregnant women or children.
Some antibiotic medicines also cause oral thrush, which causes white spots in the mouth. Using mouthwash several times a day has also been linked to an increased risk of thrush.
At this time of year, many of us take antihistamines to prevent symptoms of hay fever, which include itchy eyes, a runny nose and sneezing. Antihistamines can be very effective but one of the side-effects is dry mouth. When the mouth is dry, swallowing can be more difficult and it can be harder to remove food debris and bacteria from the mouth, which increases the risk of decay and gum disease.
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