An aspect of substance use that should not be overlooked is its negative impact on your mouth and teeth. Tobacco use, alcohol, and other drugs can increase the risk of gum disease, dry mouth, mouth and throat cancer, and tooth erosion. Whether recreational, street, or prescription drugs, it is important to understand and be aware of the effects on your oral and overall health.
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Overall, smoking affects your mouth in many ways. It causes stained teeth and bad breath. More importantly, smoking and smokeless tobacco increase your risk for oral/pharyngeal cancer and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. It also slows healing after dental surgery.
Smoking is overall bad for your health. The only way to decrease your risk of these and other related tobacco-related health problems is to quit. Find free quit smoking and vaping resources and services.
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Listed below are a few prescription drugs used to control medical conditions that have been most commonly known to cause dry mouth. A dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay. If you use one of these medications and/or experience dry mouth, talk to your doctor or dental provider. Your dental provider or doctor might recommend products that stimulate saliva flow.
Listed below are prescription drugs that have been known to cause gum overgrowth. If you are taking any of these medications, make sure you practice thorough daily oral hygiene.
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