Are Medications Making Your Mouth Dry?
According to a recent study conducted by researchers at the Mayo Clinic and Olmsted Medical Center, nearly 70 percent of Americans take one or more prescription drugs. Unfortunately, a very common side effect of maintenance medications is dry mouth, which can pose a risk to oral health. If a prescription drug is making your mouth dry, Cincinnati dentists Dr. Tara Hardin and Dr. Gary Hardin can assess the condition of your mouth and recommend preventive treatments.
More than 400 medications list dry mouth as a potential side effect. These can range from antihistamines and decongestants to some of the most common prescription drugs, such as antidepressants, opioid painkillers and medication to lower high blood pressure or cholesterol.
Dry mouth doesn’t simply mean your mouth feels dehydrated. Known medically as xerostomia, diminished production of saliva can compromise oral health in multiple ways, including:
- Fewer antibodies to combat bacteria growth.
- Irritation or inflammation of the tongue or soft palate.
- Increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
The first step to begin treatment is an appointment with our Cincinnati dentist to determine the cause of your dry mouth. After conducting a full examination, Dr. Tara or Dr. Gary might recommend solutions like drinking water more frequently, avoiding salty foods or moistening the mouth with sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free candies.
If you’ve suffered damage from tooth decay, gum disease or other conditions from bacteria growth caused by dry mouth, our dentists can also recommend restorative dental devices, laser gum treatment and other options to revitalize the health and function of your mouth.
To learn more about how our Cincinnati dentists can help you balance necessary medications with your oral health, please contact Hardin Advanced Dentistry or call 513-234-5531 today to schedule an appointment.
