Medicines harmful to teeth; Tips you should know

The health of teeth and gums is not only limited to oral hygiene, but the use of some drugs can directly or indirectly damage the dental structure and surrounding tissues. When visiting the dentist, many patients find that problems such as tooth discoloration, frequent cavities, or dry mouth can be caused by certain medications. Therefore, knowing these drugs and following preventive measures play an important role in maintaining oral and dental health. In the continuation of this article, we will examine the drugs that lead to damage to the teeth from the website of Dr. Najmeh Tadredaranjad, **the best orthodontic specialist in Mashhad**. Stay with us. **Why is it important to know the effects of drugs?** Many patients have to take long-term medication due to underlying diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy or mental disorders. Some of these medications can disrupt the natural balance of saliva or weaken tooth enamel. Even in orthodontic treatments, the best orthodontic specialist in Mashhad emphasizes the importance of examining the patient's medical history so that risk factors can be identified before starting the treatment. In fact, prevention of injury is very important both for orthodontic patients and for people undergoing other treatments. ### **What medicines cause dry mouth?** Dry mouth is one of the most common drug side effects. Antidepressants (such as fluoxetine), anti-anxiety medications, some antihistamines, and blood pressure medications can decrease saliva production. Saliva plays an important role in washing the mouth and protecting the teeth from decay. The lack of saliva increases the accumulation of plaque and bacteria, and as a result, the risk of tooth decay and gum inflammation increases. To deal with this problem, dentists usually recommend using sugar-free gums, special mouthwashes and drinking enough water. **Read more" the effect of drugs on the speed of teeth movement in orthodontics** ### **Which drugs cause tooth discoloration?** Some medications directly affect the color of teeth. For example, antibiotics of the tetracycline family can lead to permanent discoloration of teeth if used during childhood. Also, drugs containing iron or chlorhexidine (mouthwashes) cause brown spots on the teeth in long-term use. These discolorations usually cannot be removed by simple brushing and require professional scaling or bleaching. For this reason, in case of continuous use of such drugs, periodic visit to the dentist should be done. **Read more" in order to learn about the uses and benefits of using naproxen tablets for toothache, click on the given link.** ### **What are the effective drugs on tooth enamel?** As a natural protective layer, tooth enamel is very sensitive to chemical agents. Medicines such as aspirin, chewable vitamin C, and some antibiotic syrups that are acidic can cause enamel erosion. Long-term use of these drugs will cause tooth sensitivity and increase the possibility of caries. It is recommended to wash the mouth with water after taking these medicines and avoid immediate brushing (due to the temporary softness of the enamel). In this regard, we recommend that you carefully check **methods to strengthen tooth enamel**. ### **What are the effective drugs on gum tissue?** Some medications, especially antiepileptic drugs (such as **phenytoin**), immunosuppressive drugs, and some cardiac drugs can cause excessive growth of the gums. This condition, which is called "gum hyperplasia", not only affects the beauty of the smile, but also makes oral hygiene difficult. Plaque accumulation in such conditions increases and as a result the risk of inflammation and infection increases. Treatment of this condition usually involves repeated scaling and in some cases gum surgery. ### ** Syrup drugs and their effects on children's teeth ** Medicated syrups prescribed for children usually contain sugar or sweeteners. Continuous use of these syrups can lead to early tooth decay. Parents should wash the child's mouth with water after each use of syrup or use a soft toothbrush if possible. Otherwise, the sugar in the syrup remains on the surface of the tooth and quickly causes cavities. **Read more" Getting to know the types of teeth and jaw problems in children** ### **Preventive solutions against the damage of drugs on teeth** 1. **Consultation with a dentist:** Before starting any new medication, especially in long-term use, a dentist should be consulted. 2. Maintaining oral hygiene: Brushing your teeth twice a day, using dental floss and antibacterial mouthwashes are essential. 3. **Substitute medicine:** In some cases, the doctor can prescribe alternative medicine with less side effects. 4. **Water consumption and saliva stimulants:** To deal with dry mouth, it is recommended to drink enough water and use sugar-free gums. #### **final word** Taking drugs is an integral part of many patients' lives, but knowing their side effects on the health of teeth and gums is especially important. From dry mouth to discoloration, decay, and gum problems, they can all be the result of taking certain medications. Therefore, it is recommended that patients always provide their medical history to the dentist. If you live in Mashhad, consulting with the best orthodontist in Mashhad or experienced dentists can help to perform dental treatments correctly and prevent the damage caused by drugs. Finally, maintaining oral hygiene and regular check-ups will be the key to maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile. ###