Many medications on the market, many of them made primarily for women, warn of dry mouth as one of the side effects. These medications include some blood pressure medications, antidepressants, birth control pills, and cancer treatments. If you take any of these medications, it would be a good idea for you to check out the common side effects and see if dry mouth is one of them.
Dry mouth, or a lack of saliva production, can actually lead to dental problems. These problems can range from periodontal disease (also called gum disease) to a higher rate of tooth decay. Women who start some of these medications can go from having no cavities at all to suddenly finding themselves plagued with all sorts of dental issues.
Why Is Dry Mouth So Harmful?
Healthy saliva production is actually a very important part of maintaining your oral health. Saliva helps to wash away harmful bacteria and cleans out your mouth. When saliva production is decreased, these bacteria can accumulate and grow in your mouth, which can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Many different types of medication can reduce saliva production and you may not even notice it. In addition to dry mouth, many birth control medications may also make you extra susceptible to gum disease as well.
There are ways to substitute your saliva production to help manage your dry mouth. One of these options is a home fluoride treatment. You can get extra fluoride from prescription-strength toothpaste, over-the-counter fluoride rinses, or specially made fluoride trays.
Obviously the benefits of the medications you may be taking will outweigh the risks associated with dry mouth. But, if you find that you’re taking a medication with dry mouth as a side effect, the very best way to maintain your dental health while taking this medication is to come in for regular dental cleanings and exams.