A Few Medications That Can Cause Tooth Decay

By Author: Scott Ludlow
Total Articles: 55
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If you value oral health, you likely know the main causes of cavities. Namely, you grasp that these holes result from a poor diet and bad dental hygiene. Still, were you aware some medications cause tooth decay as well? Certain drugs you take can gradually erode your enamel. Given this fact, you’ll want to counter their eroding effects. So, here are a few medications that can cause tooth decay and ways to keep them from doing so.

Which Medications Can Cause Tooth Decay?
As you might know, many drugs tend to have side effects. One such consequence can be tooth decay, which greatly harms oral health. The medications which cause the issue are:

Aspirin
Usually found in local stores and supermarkets, aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It’s best known for relieving headaches, reducing fevers, and lowering the risk of heart problems.

Unfortunately, aspirin can also decay teeth. The drug harms your tooth structures based on how it’s taken. In fact, studies show that chewing aspirin erodes enamel and irritates soft mouth tissues.

Antihistamines
Specifically, antihistamines ...
... are a class of drugs used to treat allergy symptoms. (Such signs range from hay fever to nasal congestion.) People with frequent allergic reactions tend to rely on them heavily.

Despite their upsides, however, antihistamines are risky for teeth. By blocking histamine receptors, they reduce saliva production in your mouth. As a result, they allow tooth-eroding germs to multiply.

Antibiotics
Per their name, antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections. They work by killing specific bacteria or making them hard to grow.

All the same, certain antibiotics can produce enamel defects. Amoxicillin, in particular, can affect a child’s teeth if ingested enough.

Immunosuppressant Drugs
After a transplant or major surgery, many doctors prescribe immunosuppressant drugs for their patients. These medicines keep the body’s immune system from overworking itself.

That said, some immunosuppressants harm teeth. For example, cyclosporine may damage enamel and make your gums swell.

How Can I Counter the Decay Effects?
Fortunately enough, you can counter the tooth-decaying effects of medications. All you have to do is follow the correct practices. These include the following:

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene – Remember to brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once daily.
• See Your Dentist Often – By attending checkups and cleanings, a dentist can treat your oral issues before they get serious.
• Take Your Meds During Meals – When taken with food, medications don’t affect your teeth and gums as much as they might otherwise.
• Stick to a Mouth-Healthy Diet – A healthy diet that features lots of water, little caffeine, and no sugar will protect your pearly whites.
Indeed, some medications really do cause tooth decay. With the tips above, though, you can take them safely without fearing for your smile. Otherwise, feel free to talk to your dental provider for more details.