How Medications and Drugs Affect Your Teeth

July 03, 2020

Healthy teeth and gums are the result of oral hygiene, low sugar content, healthy saliva, and regular visits to the dentist. Tell your dentist about any medications you are taking, including drugs. Of course, prevention is better than treatment, since dental treatment and restoration are an expensive and time-consuming process.

The harmful effects of drugs on the human body can be seen in the calcium exchange. Addict's bones become thinner and quite fragile. Teeth also suffer greatly - 3-4 years of regular drug use, especially heroin, are enough to lose them all.

If some medications can be changed in order not to harm your teeth, it is more difficult for addicts to get rid of drugs. There are a lot of online NA meetings on AddictionResource, which can help addicted people realize the worth of their health and cope with drug problems. The benefits of NA meetings are, in some cases, equal to doctors' consultations because they provide complex support and all the information needed.
In this article, we will list not only drugs but also medications that can harm your teeth and gums.

Your baby's teeth development

The baby's permanent teeth begin to form in the jaw shortly after birth. These developing teeth are vulnerable to certain substances, including:

Fluoride. It strengthens teeth and is usually added to drinking water and toothpaste. However, an excess of fluoride can anesthetize the development of permanent teeth. It is called fluorosis. Young children who regularly swallow fluoride toothpaste are at increased risk.

Tetracycline. This antibiotic can give permanent teeth a yellowish or brownish tint.
Talk with your dentist for more information on medicines that may affect your child's permanent teeth development.

Saliva Protects Your Teeth

Many medications can reduce salivation and cause a condition called dry mouth. Dry mouth dramatically increases the risk of tooth decay. It happens because saliva:

• Reduces bacteria in the mouth
• Reduces acid in the mouth
• Contains substances that are critical to the ongoing re-mineralization process, which is a repair of tooth enamel (a hard layer that protects the surface of the tooth) that has been damaged by acids.

How medication can damage your teeth and gums

Medications can cause gum diseases, such as inflammation, bleeding, or an ulcer. Sore gums can lead to other problems, including tooth loss.

Antihistamines may cause dry mouth.

Antihypertensives may lead to an increased risk of gum disease.

Aspirin. Chewing aspirin can directly damage tooth enamel, as it is an acid. Always take aspirin as directed. Swallow the whole pill with water, without contact with the teeth.

Asthma medications. Some medications are very acidic and can dissolve tooth enamel if used regularly for a long period of time.

Chemotherapeutic drugs can cause dry mouth and lead to an increased risk of gum disease.
Immunosuppressants may lead to an increased risk of gum disease.

Immunosuppressants may lead to an increased risk of gum disease.

Oral contraceptives affect in the same way.

Syrups. Medicinal syrups containing sugar can increase the risk of tooth decay if the teeth are not brushed after taking these syrups.

This list is not full. Talk with your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist for more information on this topic.

Alcohol and smoking can affect gums and teeth.

Regular alcohol consumption can cause dry mouth and damage your teeth, as most alcohols have an acid reaction. Smoking is associated with an increased risk of cancer, including oral cancer. You can find more information on 24 hour NA chat rooms online.

How drugs affect your teeth and gums

Regular drug use can cause significant tooth damage. Medications that are associated with a high risk for oral health include:

Marijuana may cause dry mouth and lead to an increased risk of gum disease. Smoking can cause oral cancer.

Cocaine. Sometimes people take cocaine through the gums, causing ulceration of the gums and jawbone. Cocaine mixes with saliva and creates a very acidic solution that destroys tooth enamel and creates a suitable environment for caries-causing bacteria. Cocaine and crack cause dry mouth, which further increases the risk of tooth decay. Cocaine can cause tooth wear.

Ecstasy. Side effects of the drug include bruxism, jaw cramps, and dry mouth.

Heroin. People who use heroin tend to crave sugary foods, which can increase the risk of tooth decay if they neglect hygiene. Heroin can also cause bruxism and dry mouth.

Methamphetamine. In a very short time, this drug causes severe tooth decay. Methamphetamine is very acidic and attacks tooth enamel. Dry mouth, bruxism, and jaw cramps are the other side effects.

Any drug addiction or drug use that causes a person to neglect personal hygiene, nutrition, and dental care can significantly increase the risk of dental (and many other) problems. If you or your loved ones have drug problems, it is better to look for online NA meetings USA and find more information there. NA support groups online will help get information on how drugs influence teeth and the whole body, mental health, and social life.

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