If you have visited a dentist before for a dental procedure, chances are that you were asked what kind of medication you are on. There are several explanations to this that will be talked about in this article. The main reason is that the type of medication that you are currently on at the time of the dental visit can affect your response to any dental treatment. When the dentist has this knowledge, he or she can prevent potential medical mishaps.
Oral Health
Before you visit the dentist, it is important to know that many types of medication that are easily bought over the counter can lead to adverse effects on oral health. For example, some forms of antibiotics can cause constant dry mouth. While this might seem like a harmless side-effect, the fact is that saliva helps to maintain the pH balance in our mouths and the lack of which can lead to a build-up of plaque and bacteria. This can lead to gum disease in serious cases and even the breaking down of your teeth enamel. Thus, knowing that you might be at risk of serious gum disease might lead your dentist to approach your case in a different manner.
Blood-Thinners
If you happen to have heart or blood issues, it is possible that you might have to be on blood-thinning medication. This type of medication might result in severe medical complications at your visit to the dentist if they are not privy to this information. Regardless of the dental procedure in question, chances are that your gums are bound to bleed a little because of aggravation. As such, if you are on blood-thinners, the bleeding could possibly get out of hand and result in a detrimental loss of blood because your blood might not be able to clot in time.
Causes of Dry Mouth
As mentioned above, dry mouth can lead to gum disease if not dealt with properly. Some of the most common forms of medication that lead to dry mouth include the following:
- Inhaled medication: Patients with breathing issues might use medication that require inhalation through the mouth. This kind of medication can potentially affect the health of your gums and inside of your mouth. In some cases, inhaling medication can cause a type of fungal infection known as oral candidiasis.
- Nasal Sprays: It has been shown that certain nasal sprays can cause dryness of the mouth as well.
Cancer Treatment
Other than medicine that has been prescribed by other medical practitioners, cancer treatments such as chemotherapy can affect your oral health as well. For the case of chemotherapy, it could lead to a decline in overall health in many different parts of your body, including your mouth. Thus, it will only serve to benefit you if you contact a dentist before starting your cancer treatment to find out how you can maintain good oral health throughout the period of your treatment.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, you should be proactive in informing your dentist about current medication that you are on as well as medication that you have taken in the past that might have affected your overall oral health. Furthermore, your dentist might need to consult with your previous physician to ascertain the best form of dental treatment for you.