It is important that our Lighthouse Point FL dentist knows about the medications you are taking in order to provide the best dental care for you. According to our dentist in Lighthouse Point, many prescribed and over-the-counter medicines – as well as vitamins, minerals and other herbal supplements can produce unwelcome side effects to your overall oral health.
Certain Medications Cause Dry Mouth
Your body’s saliva production acts to continuously remove debris from around your teeth and gums, explains our Lighthouse Point FL dentist. When patients experience dry mouth, the decreased amount of cleansing saliva in your mouth can promote tooth decay and gum infections.
The most common medications to cause dry mouth include:
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Decongestants
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Antihistamines
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Sedatives
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Pain Medications
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High Blood Pressure Medications
Your family doctor may be able to switch you to a different medication if you are experiencing severe dry mouth. If making a change to your medication is not possible, our dentist in Lighthouse Point suggests that you try some of these methods to alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of dry mouth: [[[divstyle:padding-left:25px|
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Drink plenty of water or any type of sugarless drink throughout the day to stay hydrated.
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Eliminate or reduce caffeine intake, as caffeinated beverages such as tea or coffee can contribute to your dry mouth.
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Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to increase saliva production.
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Avoid excess salty or spicy foods, which can irritate an already dry mouth.
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Use a humidifier at night, adding moisture to the air that can help relieve your dry mouth and nasal passages.
Medications Can Contain Sugar
Many medications – particularly those given to children¬ ¬– contain sugar, cautio¬ns our Lighthouse Point FL dentist. According to our dentist in Lighthouse Point, sugar is often found in products like antacid tablets, cough syrup, cough drops, as well as many chewable tablets and children’s vitamins. Our dental expert suggests that you carefully check the labels on these types of medications, to determine if sugar is listed as an ingredient.
Whenever possible, you should try to take the medication in tablet form instead of a chewable. In addition, if you need to take the medication at bedtime, be sure to brush afterwards with fluoride toothpaste to remove any sugary residue left on your teeth.
Our dentist in Lighthouse Point serves as a knowledgeable resource for our patients. Call Florida Smiles Dental to discuss any dental issues you may have as a result of taking prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
About • Dentist Fort Lauderdale • Florida Smiles Dental Above all else, we here at Florida Smiles Dental want our patients to maintain healthy, bright, and beautiful smiles! Call us today to schedule your appointment! Florida Smiles Dental - Dr. Peter Scerbo, 255 SE 14th St. #200, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 • 754-354-0363 • floridasmilesdental.com • 9/19/2023 • Page Terms:dentist Fort Lauderdale •
It is important that our Lighthouse Point FL dentist knows about the medications you are taking in order to provide the best dental care for you. According to our dentist in Lighthouse Point, many prescribed and over-the-counter medicines – as well as vitamins, minerals and other herbal supplements can produce unwelcome side effects to your overall oral health.