About this topic
Your dental health and your medical health are closely linked. Changes in one area can cause changes in the other. Make sure your dentist knows your health history. Talk to your dentist about your medical conditions, surgeries, and allergies. Let both your doctor and your dentist know about all of the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription, over the counter, and herbal supplements. Bring a list of drugs you take with you. ‚
General
Your medical conditions and health habits can impact your dental health. ‚
- Illnesses like diabetes, cancer, or a weak immune system can raise your risk of gum disease or mouth infections.
- Research suggests that heart problems may be linked to gum disease.
- Diseases and drugs that cause dry mouth can make you more likely to have problems with tooth decay.
- Eating disorders may keep you from getting proper nutrition. They can also cause your gums to bleed and your mouth to be dry.
- An illness that causes you to throw up often can affect your teeth. Your stomach acid is very strong and may break down the enamel on your teeth.
- Some conditions require you take an antibiotic just before receiving dental care.
- Smoking and chewing tobacco can raise your chance of mouth cancer or periodontal disease.
Your diet can impact your general health and your dental health as well. ‚
- How often you eat and the foods you choose may raise your risk of tooth decay and weight problems.
- Eating foods that are high in sugar and starch can cause health or dental problems. These are things like chocolate, sweets, cakes, and certain fizzy drinks.
- People fed through a feeding tube have a higher chance of cavities.
- People who do not have good nutrition are at a higher risk of cavities.
- The drugs you take to help your medical conditions may affect your dental health.
- Some drugs raise your chance of getting a mouth infection called thrush.
- Other drugs may weaken your bones and make you more likely to lose teeth.
- Some drugs for osteoporosis may increase your risk of complications during tooth extractions and root canals.
- Many liquid drugs contain sugar, which can cause cavities. Rinse your mouth and teeth after taking a liquid drug.
Will there be any other care needed?
- Brush your teeth after every meal or at least 2 times a day. Do not rush when you brush and spend 2 full minutes cleaning all of your teeth. Use toothpaste with fluoride.
- Use dental floss to clean between your teeth at least 1 time each day.
- See your dentist for regular cleaning and checkups.
- Do not use any form of tobacco.
- Do not stop or change any of your drugs without talking to your doctor.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚