Medication and Heart Disease

Certain kinds of medications can have an adverse effect on your teeth.

Long ago, children exposed to tetracycline developed tooth problems, including discoloration, later in life. The medication fell out of use, however, and is not an issue today.

The best precaution is to ask your family physician if any medications he or she has prescribed can have a detrimental effect on your teeth or other oral structures.

Dry Mouth

A condition called dry mouth is commonly associated with certain medications, including antihistamines, diuretics, decongestants, and pain killers. People with medical conditions, such as an eating disorder or diabetes, are often plagued by dry mouth. Other causes are related to aging (including rheumatoid arthritis), and compromised immune systems. Garlic and tobacco use are other known culprits.

Dry mouth occurs when saliva production drops. Saliva is one of your body's natural defenses against plaque because it acts to rinse your mouth of cavity-causing bacteria and other harmful materials.

Some of the less alarming results of dry mouth include bad breath. But dry mouth can lead to more serious problems, including burning tongue syndrome, a painful condition caused by lack of moisture on the tongue.

If dry mouth isn't readily apparent, you may experience other conditions that dry mouth can cause, including an overly sensitive tongue, chronic thirst or even difficulty in speaking.

Heart Disease

Poor dental hygiene can cause a host of problems outside your mouth-including your heart. The connection between heart disease and gum disease has now been firmly established.

Medical research has uncovered a definitive link between heart disease and certain kinds of oral infections such as periodontal (gum) disease.

In short, infections and harmful bacteria in your mouth can spread through the bloodstream to your liver, which produces harmful proteins that can lead to systemic cardiac problems. That's why it's critical to practice good oral hygiene and to visit our hygiene department regularly. With lasers and antibiotics, gum surgery is obsolete. Gum treatment has become easy and predictable. We even have numbing liquid which numbs the gums with no need for injection.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis

The American Heart Association has changed the antibiotic recommendation in recent years. There is much less need for antibiotics before a dental cleaning than was once thought. Check with your Cardiologist for the new recommendations.

It turns out it is better for your health and heart to have your teeth cleaned regularly so make an appointment today 281-815-4188.