Medications' impact on oral health.
BACKGROUND
Over-the-counter and prescription drugs are used frequently, in large quantities and by many adults, particularly by those older than 65 years of age. A number of medications (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins and minerals, herbal preparations) can affect oral health. With the population's aging, and as more drugs become available, dentists can expect to encounter medication-related oral side effects among their patients.


METHODS
The author reviewed studies that ranged from case reports to randomly controlled, double-blinded studies. However, in view of the subject matter, the majority of findings are based on case reports.


CONCLUSIONS
Since many patients regularly take medications, both prescribed and nonprescribed, dentists always must take a thorough medical history so that they can be aware of medication-related problems and the impact of medications on diagnosis and treatment planning.


CONCLUSIONS
Dentists must be aware of the potential oral tissue complications that medications can create and develop appropriate treatment plans for their patients that consider the oral health impact of the medications they take.
Ciancio
Sebastian G
SG
Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, School of Dental Medicine, 14214, USA. ciancio@buffalo.edu
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000517:prevention & control; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002326:Cariogenic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005886:Gingival Hypertrophy / Q000139:chemically induced; D006487:Hemostasis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D013649:Taste / Q000187:drug effects; D013754:Tetracyclines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000139:chemically induced
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002326:Cariogenic Agents; D013754:Tetracyclines