Did you know that some of your child’s medications could impact their dental health? According to the CDC, around 20% of children regularly take prescription medications. While these medications are essential for overall health, they may have side effects that influence your child’s oral health. By sharing details about your child’s medications with our pediatric dentist in Lebanon during regular visits, we can better tailor their treatment plan to ensure healthy smiles.

Here are five ways medications can affect your child’s oral health and how to address them:

1. Dry Mouth

• Many medications can reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth.
• Saliva plays a critical role in protecting teeth by neutralizing harmful acids.
• A lack of saliva increases the risk of tooth decay and gum problems.
• Solution: Encourage your child to stay hydrated and rinse their mouth with water after taking medications.

2. Gum Tissue Enlargement

• Certain medications can cause the gums to enlarge or overgrow.
• This can make it difficult to keep the gums clean and increase the risk of gum inflammation.
• Solution: If this occurs, our team will provide tailored oral care instructions to maintain your child’s gum health.

3. Tooth Decay

• Some liquid or chewable medications are flavored with sugar to make them more appealing to kids.
• Sugary medications can feed bacteria in the mouth, increasing the risk of cavities.
• Solution: Opt for sugar-free versions of medications when possible. Have your child take their medicine with a meal and rinse with water to minimize sugar exposure.

4. Gum Bleeding

• Certain medications can affect blood clotting, leading to increased gum bleeding.
• This may become a concern if your child loses a tooth or undergoes oral surgery.
• Solution: Inform our pediatric dentist in Lebanon about your child’s medications before any dental treatment to ensure proper precautions are taken.

5. Soft Tissue Reactions

• Some medications may cause irritation, inflammation, discoloration, or even sores in the mouth.
• Solution: Contact us immediately if you notice any unusual reactions. We can create a personalized oral care plan to ease discomfort and protect your child’s oral health.

Keep Us Informed for Better Care

Knowing your child’s medications helps us provide the best possible dental care. If you notice changes in your child’s oral health or have concerns about their medications, let us know right away.

At Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry in West Lebanon, our pediatric dentist is committed to helping your child build a lifetime of healthy habits. Contact our office today with any questions or to schedule an appointment!