Pharmacist Sonja Keizers answers
Pharmacist Sonja Keizers answers questions about medicines. This time: are drugs harmful to the teeth?
Could it be that my teeth have broken due to the medicines? I take oxycodone and blood thinners.
Answer:
By far the main causes of tooth decay are poor oral hygiene and consuming too many sugary or acidic drinks. In addition, medicines sometimes make a difference. For example, medicine drinks and lozenges can contain sugar and are therefore bad for the teeth. Some substances indirectly affect the teeth. Antidepressants and antipsychotics can reduce saliva production, which reduces the protection of tooth enamel. And a dry mouth feeling may tempt you to drink more sugary sodas. Certain powder particles of asthma medicines can also be harmful to the teeth when inhaled. Visit the dentist regularly if your medications are causing tooth decay. After taking sugar-containing medicines, it is always advisable to rinse well with water.
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Sources):
- Plus Magazine
