Chances are you are taking at least one of these listed common medications to treat various illnesses and ailments. If you are, then we urge you to pay more attention to your oral health and make a conscious effort to be vigorous about your brushing and flossing routine.

High Blood Pressure Medication

A lot of Americans are prone to high blood pressure – we live in a stressful society and unfortunately partake in habits that lead to this ailment. As such, don’t be too alarmed if you experience sores or other types of inflammation in your mouth. It’s not a common side effect per se, but it does happen.

If it does happen, then contact your primary care physician first as they will most likely begin weaning you off of the medication or perhaps trying a new one. The inflammation should then begin to subside on its own.

Acne Medication

More so experienced by teenagers with rapidly changing hormones, acne medication – specifically tetracycline – is known to cause staining on your teeth. It’s difficult to pinpoint stains on the teeth as there are many possible sources, but the unfortunate part is that the staining from these medications is permanent. Pay close attention on your teeth if you or someone else you know is taking acne medication.

Allergy Medication

Allergies are commonplace. The two most common forms of treatment for allergies are antihistamines and decongestants. These medications work by drying out your sinuses. As a result, your body does not produce as much saliva responsible for fighting bacteria in the mouth – making your mouth much more prone to decay.

The simple solution to this: drinks LOTS of water to compensate.

Aspirin

With aspirin or other blood thinners such as Warfarin or Heparin, the effects are present when you undergo dental procedures such as extraction, root planning and scaling during a check-up, gum surgery, etc. They tend to cause heavy amounts of bleeding so if you know you have a dental check-up or other important dental procedure coming up, be sure to remind your dentist ahead of time and they will take it from there.

There are other medications that have side effects related to oral health issues, but we only wanted to touch base on common medications. Medication or not you should always brush and floss your teeth DAILY, TWICE PER DAY.