The most common oral side effect of medications is dry mouth. We need saliva to protect our teeth…

The most common oral side effect of medications is dry mouth. We need saliva to protect our teeth and oral tissues from bacteria. Without saliva, we are much more vulnerable to tooth decay & gum disease. Medications containing blood thinning components can lead to bleeding gums after brushing. Several medications have a side effect of causing inflammation in the gum tissue, thereby risking gum disease. Asthma inhalers on use, can lead to oral thrush — white patches of fungus on the tongue, inside the cheeks & other oral tissues. The best way to prevent this is for the patient to rinse with water after every use. In rare cases, osteoporosis treatment drugs can compromise the bone tissue in the jaw, increasing the risk of gum recession & tooth loss!

Just because a pill can’t hurt your mouth directly while you’re swallowing it doesn’t mean it won’t have side effects that impact your mouth later. It’s important to keep your dentist in the loop if any of them occur. Prescriptions can be adjusted to minimize negative effects, but only if your health care professionals know what's going on.