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.
Click on “More Information” to learn how drugs can harm your oral health and overall health.
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 leads to a higher risk of tooth decay. If you use of one these medications and/or experience dry mouth, talk to your doctor or dentist. Your dentist or doctor might recommend products that stimulate flow of saliva.
Listed below are prescription drugs that have been known to cause gum overgrowth. If you are taking any of these medications, make sure you are thorough with your daily plaque removal/ oral hygiene.
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 causes slow healing from dental surgery.
Smoking is overall bad for your health. The only way to decrease your risk of these and other tobacco-related health problems is to quit. If you need help with quitting, click here.
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