Based on what you heard growing up, bad hygiene and junk food can seem like the only causes of cavities. Plenty of authority figures – parents, doctors, and more – only emphasize those two factors. Even so, there are actually some medications that can cause tooth decay as well. You’d do well to consider such medicines if you want to protect your smile well. With that said, discover four of the decay-causing medications below.
Some Medications Can Decay Teeth
While the fact isn’t often discussed, some medications really can (and sometimes do) decay teeth. These include:
Pain Medicines
Truthfully, some NSAIDS (i.e., non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and opioid medications cause tooth decay. The reason is that they lower your supply of saliva, increasing your risk of dry mouth. As the latter condition lets harmful bacteria multiply on your teeth, it makes cavities likely.
Antibiotics
Even as antibiotics kill “problematic” bacteria, they can slowly erode your enamel as well. A key example would be the drug amoxicillin. Because this liquid drug contains sugar, taking too much of it can decay a child’s teeth.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines treat allergy symptoms, and they work incredibly well on that front. Still, their main effect – the blocking of histamine receptors – can do more than ease sneezing or sniffling. It reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth, giving harmful bacteria a chance to spread around your smile. That means an antihistamine can potentially increase your risk of cavities.
Chemotherapy Drugs
You know how chemotherapy drugs are just supposed to kill cancer cells? Well, this killing process tends to restrain your immune system. Such restraint often changes your mouth’s lining and salivary glands, upsetting the healthy balance of bacteria. The long-term result is thus a higher chance of cavities.
Preventing Medication-Related Tooth Decay
To prevent the above medicines from decaying your teeth, adopt the following habits:
- Practice Good Oral Care – With twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing, you can reduce the risk some medicines pose to your teeth. The same applies to frequent dental checkups.
- Take Medicines at Meals – Many medications don’t affect your mouth as much when taken with food. Therefore, ingest the medicines above with your meals.
- Follow a Mouth-Healthy Diet – By sticking to a diet that emphasizes lots of water, little caffeine, and no sugar, you’ll keep your pearly whites better protected.
Some medications can cause tooth decay, but they needn’t have to. Use the tips above – and advice from your dentist – to ensure your medicines don’t harm your grin!
About the Author
Windermere Center for Dentistry is based in Windermere, FL. Led by Dr. Cousins, our practice provides each patient with truly calming, comfortable, and comprehensive dentistry. From checkups and fillings to complex dental emergency care, we have everything needed to treat your smile well. Rest assured that you’ll end each appointment with a thriving grin! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (407) 909-1097.