How Can Medicine Cause Tooth Decay?

While you probably know that brushing and flossing are necessary parts of a proper oral hygiene routine, you may not be aware that certain medications can increase your risk of tooth decay. However, just because your medicine makes it more likely for you to develop this problem doesn’t mean that it necessarily has to happen. Here are a few medications that can cause tooth decay and how you can keep your smile looking great while taking them.

What Medicines Can Cause Tooth Decay?

Many medications list dry mouth as a possible side effect. Dry mouth is caused by a lack of saliva, which is an essential part of your mouth’s natural cleaning process. Saliva serves to protect teeth from injury by keeping them lubricated, repair them by replenishing lost minerals, and flush the mouth clean of plaque and food debris. If your mouth is chronically low on saliva, your risk of tooth decay will increase. A few medicines that can lead to dry mouth include:

• Antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Opioids
• Hypertension medications
• Antidepressants
• Muscle relaxants
• Medications that treat Parkinson’s disease

However, some medications can cause tooth decay because they are sweetened with sugar that can feed harmful oral bacteria. A few of these include:

• Cough syrup
• Antacid tablets
• Some antifungal medicines

How Can I Keep My Teeth Healthy?

A proper daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing, flossing, and antibacterial mouthwash is your first line of defense against tooth decay regardless of any medications you are taking. However, if you are worried about dry mouth, drinking plenty of water is a great way to help flush harmful food residue away from your mouth and keep yourself hydrated for sufficient saliva production. It’s also crucial that you see your dentist at least twice a year for exams and cleanings so that problems like tooth decay can be caught and corrected in their early stages.

Don’t let the side effects of your medication detract from the health and beauty of your smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best ways to prevent tooth decay when you’re taking medication.

About the Author

Dr. Darrick Castleberry earned his dental doctorate at the Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry and completed a General Practice Residency with the United States Navy. He is proud to be a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the Greater Houston Dental Society, and the Texas Dental Association. His office in Houston, TX offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about protecting your teeth from decay, contact his office online or dial (281) 971-3440.