How Medications and Daily Routines Can Affect Your Oral Health
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Did You Know: A Look at How Medications and Daily Routines Can Affect Your Oral Health

You probably assume that as long as you brush, you’re doing all right by your teeth. Not so. There are many other factors that go into the health of your mouth, from medications to daily routines. Let’s examine how those things can affect your overall oral health.

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Medications and Health Issues

First it’s important to have an open dialogue with your dentist about your oral health. Keep up with your regular six-month appointments so you can stay aware of special conditions or medical/health issues that affect your teeth. Let your dentist and hygienist know about anything going on with your health, such as cancer or diabetes diagnoses, pregnancy and development of heart disease. These conditions can all affect your oral health.

Let your dentist know of any medications you’re taking for your health issues, too. Cancer treatments can cause rare but serious jaw problems, . These drugs can also cause oral health problems in those taking them for osteoporosis. If you use an inhaler for asthma, those inhalers can cause fungal infections in the mouth that can be painful. Your dentist will tell you how to relieve symptoms or prescribe medications for more serious conditions.

Diet

What you eat every day has a big impact on your oral health. Too many sweets, of course, lead to cavities, but you should also stay away from excess starches such as potato chips, bread and cereal. The sugars in starchy foods can also cause cavities. Soft drinks are very acidic and can eat away at your enamel as well as stain your teeth. If you indulge in these foods, be sure to brush or at a minimum chew sugarless gum right afterwards.

Bad Habits

We all have a vice or two, but if they involve your mouth, they can lead to some pretty serious dental issues. If you smoke, stop. The tobacco in cigarettes and chewing tobacco increases your risk for oral cancer as well as cancers of the esophagus, pharynx, and larynx – not to mention it leads to bad breath and teeth staining.

If you’re in the habit of chewing on ice with your drinks, stop doing this because you can cause tiny cracks and chips in your teeth, destroy your tooth enamel, and damage fillings, crowns and other dental appliances. You can also experience sore jaw muscles. Many people feel a compulsion to chew ice, which is a symptom of anemia. You could be deficient in iron, so talk to your doctor.

Always be up front with your dentist about your daily routines, health and medications. Here at Drs. Savage, Sabol & Visser, we are always open to a little chat during your visit to discuss your general health. Call us for an appointment today at one of our five convenient locations.



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