Teeth are protected by enamel and saliva which acts as a barrier against acidic foods. However, a number of drugs put our teeth at risk because they promote dry mouth or are too sweet. “Medications that are very sweet, causing dry mouth, increasing the acidity of the mouth, or causing demineralization are the source of cavitiesexplains the magazine Prescrire.
Medications that are too sweet
In question therefore syrups, lozenges, lozenges, homeopathy granules, especially if they are taken during a long-term treatment.
Medications that cause dry mouth
In question, atropine drugs (which accelerates the heart rate and decreases spasms), H1 antihistamines (medicines against allergies), antidepressants, neuroleptics, opioids (against pain), amphetamines, cytotoxic anticancer drugs, and cardiovascular.
Cyclin-based antibiotics have the side effect of permanently staining the teeth yellow. They also cause cavities by demineralization. “They should be avoided in children under 8 years of age and, for exposure during pregnancy, from the second trimester. Also beware of medications prescribed for asthma, which also cause cavities,” recalls Prescrire.
If you must take these types of medicines, it is recommended that you drink a glass of water and brush your teeth after each dose, and avoid taking these treatments immediately before bedtime. For patients with chronic diseases, medical follow-up at the dentist is essential, as well as a good diet to avoid cavities.
If, of course, it is necessary to avoid the sweets, it is also recommended to eat apples which help the saliva to clean the teeth, to drink black tea whose catechins prevent bacteria from clinging to the email. And since teeth need calcium, it’s important to consume 5 grams a day of cheese that contains casein, a protein that boosts calcium in the remineralization of tooth enamel.
