According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 20% of children regularly take prescription medications. The number of children taking medications prescribed by their doctors has steadily increased over the years. Your child’s dental health may be adversely affected by some medicines. Our team will better adapt our treatment plan if we know about any medications your child takes during their regular examination.
The following are five ways medications can affect your child’s oral health.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is caused by a reduction in saliva production in the mouth. It is common for the mouth to produce less saliva as a result of many medications. Saliva is crucial for neutralizing acids that may damage young children’s teeth. When left untreated, a dry mouth can lead to an increase in tooth decay.
Enlargement of the gum
The gum tissue of your child can become enlarged or overgrown as a result of certain medications. tissue. With extra care, gum inflammation can be prevented. In such a case, our team will recommend care instructions to ensure that your child maintains healthy gums.
Tooth decay
The majority of medications do not directly cause tooth decay. Some medicines, however, contain sugar as a flavoring. Treating kids with liquid treatments or tablets that taste like candy is available in delicious flavors. Over time, sugar feeds decay-causing bacteria, resulting in tooth decay. When possible, choose sugar-free medications. Your child should also take their medication with a meal and a drink, so that the sugary compounds can be washed away.
Gum issues
Some medications can affect blood clotting. Your child may experience an increase in bleeding before or after oral surgery or when losing a tooth. Before scheduling treatment, please let us know if your child takes any medications. Our team will be able to provide your child with high-quality care if we have this information.
Reactions involving soft tissues
There are some medications that can cause mouth inflammation, discoloration, or even sores. If your child experiences any of these symptoms, please contact us as soon as possible. In order to alleviate these side effects, we can create a customized oral hygiene plan for your child.
Keeping our team informed about your child’s medications is essential. We can then suggest appropriate treatment options based on the information. We encourage you to contact us if you notice any changes in your child’s oral health. In partnership with you, we aim to establish a lifetime of healthy habits and improve your child’s overall oral health.
If you have any questions about medications or your child’s oral health, feel free to contact our kids’ dental and orthodontic office. You may schedule an appointment with us at any time.
