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, tooth erosion, and mouth and throat cancer.
Whether recreational, street, or prescription, it is important to understand and be aware of a drug’s effect on your oral and overall health.
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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 dentist. They may 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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Smoking affects your mouth in many ways. It causes stained teeth and bad breath. More importantly, smoking cigarettes and vaping can 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 bad for your health overall. The only way to decrease your risk of these and other tobacco-related health problems is to avoid tobacco use or quit. Call or visit 1-866-New-Lung (1-866-639-5864) for free quit smoking and quit vaping services in Orange County.
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