If you are taking blood pressure medication, it may have some side effects on your teeth. At your dental exam at Dentistry With A Smile, LLC, our dentist can suggest ways to keep your mouth strong while you are on these medications so that your teeth do not have to suffer as well. Talk to Dr. Suhair Shamoon to learn more about your gum health in Fall River, Massachusetts, and give us a call at 508-672-6471 if you have any questions.
There are certain blood pressure medications called calcium channel blockers (CCBs), which dilate the blood vessels to allow the heart to pump blood easier. These medications can reduce saliva flow, making your mouth feel dry and more prone to infection. The medication can also cause another oral side effect in a small percentage of people: Your gum tissue may become thick and lumpy and abnormally extend over your teeth to cover them.
This excessive gum growth may cause difficulty with chewing, discomfort and self-consciousness, though it also makes it difficult or even impossible to clean in between your teeth. If left untreated, it may lead to severe gum disease, which can cause even more gum overgrowth and can spiral out of control.
If you are experiencing any side effects like these, it is a good idea to tell your health care providers about them to discuss possible dosage changes or a different medication. But if that is not possible, we can always provide dental treatments to help you keep your oral health on track and make suggestions on how to more vigorously take care of your teeth at home. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by giving us a call.
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