1297 Hembree Rd Suite 202 
You take your medications faithfully, follow your doctor’s instructions, and stay on top of your health—but have you ever considered what those pills might be doing to your teeth and gums? Hundreds of commonly prescribed and over-the-counter medications can have surprising effects on your oral health, from dry mouth that accelerates decay to gum changes that alter your smile. At Mitzi Morris, DMD, PC in Roswell, we believe understanding these connections helps our patients maintain healthier smiles for life.
Dr. Mitzi Morris, a 1993 graduate of the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry with over 25 years of experience, emphasizes the importance of reviewing your complete medication list at every dental visit. This information helps your dental team anticipate potential oral health challenges and customize your preventive care accordingly.
The Dry Mouth Epidemic
Dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia, is by far the most common oral side effect of medications. More than 500 medications list dry mouth as a potential side effect, and if you’re taking multiple prescriptions, the cumulative effect can be significant.
Saliva plays a crucial protective role in your mouth. It washes away food particles, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria, delivers disease-fighting substances throughout your mouth, and helps with digestion. When saliva production decreases, the consequences extend far beyond simple discomfort.
Medications commonly associated with dry mouth include:
- Antihistamines: Both prescription and over-the-counter allergy medications reduce saliva production as part of their mechanism for drying up nasal secretions
- Antidepressants: Many antidepressants, including SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants, affect the salivary glands
- Blood Pressure Medications: Diuretics, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors frequently cause dry mouth
- Pain Medications: Both prescription opioids and over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce saliva flow
- Decongestants: These medications work by drying secretions throughout the body, including in the mouth
- Muscle Relaxants: Commonly prescribed for back pain and spasms, these often cause significant dry mouth
Without adequate saliva, bacteria thrive, acids linger on tooth surfaces, and the risk of cavities, gum disease, and oral infections increases dramatically. Patients who have enjoyed excellent dental health for years can suddenly develop multiple cavities after starting certain medications.
Gum Changes and Overgrowth
Some medications can cause actual changes to your gum tissue, leading to a condition called gingival hyperplasia or gum overgrowth. The gums become enlarged and swollen, sometimes growing so much they partially cover the teeth. This overgrowth not only affects appearance but also creates deep pockets where bacteria accumulate, increasing infection risk.
Medications known to cause gum overgrowth include:
- Calcium Channel Blockers: Medications like nifedipine, amlodipine, and verapamil, commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart conditions
- Anti-Seizure Medications: Phenytoin (Dilantin) is particularly associated with gum enlargement
- Immunosuppressants: Cyclosporine, used to prevent organ transplant rejection and treat autoimmune conditions
If you take any of these medications and notice your gums changing, don’t panic—but do schedule a dental visit. Meticulous oral hygiene and more frequent professional cleanings can help manage the condition. In some cases, your physician may be able to adjust your medication.
Bleeding Risks and Dental Procedures
Blood thinners save lives by preventing dangerous clots, but they also affect how your body responds to dental procedures. Whether you’re on warfarin, newer anticoagulants like rivaroxaban or apixaban, or even daily aspirin therapy, your dental team needs to know.
Most routine dental procedures, including cleanings and fillings, can proceed safely on blood thinners. However, extractions, periodontal surgery, and other procedures that cause more bleeding may require coordination between your dentist and physician. Never stop taking prescribed blood thinners before a dental appointment without consulting your doctor first—the risks of stopping often outweigh the risks of bleeding.
Bone Health Concerns
Bisphosphonates—medications prescribed for osteoporosis and certain cancers—have transformed treatment for bone loss. However, these medications can rarely cause a serious condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw, where bone tissue in the jaw fails to heal properly after dental procedures.
If you take medications like alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), or ibandronate (Boniva), or if you’ve received IV bisphosphonates for cancer treatment, inform your dental team. The risk is relatively low with oral bisphosphonates taken for osteoporosis, but awareness allows for appropriate precautions and monitoring.
Ideally, patients should complete any needed dental work before starting bisphosphonate therapy. If you’re already taking these medications, maintaining excellent oral health becomes even more critical to avoid procedures that could trigger complications.
Taste Changes and Appetite Effects
Numerous medications can alter taste perception, causing metallic tastes, reduced taste sensitivity, or complete loss of taste. While this might seem like a minor nuisance, taste changes can affect nutrition, appetite, and quality of life.
Medications frequently associated with taste disturbances include certain antibiotics, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and chemotherapy drugs. If food suddenly tastes wrong or you’ve lost interest in eating, mention this to both your physician and dentist.
Protecting Your Smile While Managing Your Health
The goal isn’t to avoid necessary medications—it’s to understand and manage their effects on your oral health. Here are strategies that help:
- Combat Dry Mouth Actively: Sip water throughout the day, use alcohol-free mouth rinses designed for dry mouth, consider saliva substitutes or prescription medications that stimulate saliva production, and chew sugar-free gum containing xylitol.
- Increase Fluoride Exposure: Dry mouth patients benefit from prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste and fluoride treatments during dental visits. Fluoride helps remineralize tooth enamel and prevent the rapid decay that often accompanies xerostomia.
- Schedule More Frequent Cleanings: If your medications put you at higher risk for dental problems, professional cleanings every three to four months instead of every six months can make a significant difference in preventing complications.
- Maintain Meticulous Home Care: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and consider adding an antimicrobial rinse to your routine. When your mouth is working against you, consistent home care becomes even more critical.
- Communicate Completely: Bring a complete list of all medications—prescription, over-the-counter, and supplements—to every dental appointment. Update your dental team whenever medications change.
A Partnership for Your Complete Health
At Mitzi Morris, DMD, PC, we view ourselves as partners in your overall health, not just your dental health. Understanding how your medical conditions and treatments affect your mouth allows us to provide truly comprehensive care.
Our modern Roswell office offers the latest dental technology and a comfortable, spa-like environment where patients can relax while receiving exceptional care. From warm blankets and pillows to nitrous oxide for anxious patients, we’ve thought of everything to make your visits pleasant.
Schedule Your Comprehensive Evaluation
Whether you’re starting a new medication and want to protect your oral health proactively, or you’ve noticed changes in your mouth that concern you, we’re here to help. Dr. Morris and her team take the time to understand your complete health picture and develop personalized strategies to keep your smile healthy.
Contact Mitzi Morris, DMD, PC today at 678-459-2990 to schedule your appointment. Our office is conveniently located at 1297 Hembree Rd, Suite 202, Roswell, GA 30076, serving patients throughout Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and the surrounding North Atlanta communities.
Your medications help you live your healthiest life—let us help you keep your smile healthy along the way.