| Medication | Possible side effect | Effect on oral health |
|---|---|---|
Medications that can cause dry mouth include;
| Dry mouth (reduced saliva flow) | Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease |
| Cough drops, vitamins, antacid tablets and anti-fungal agents | Some contain sugar | Increased risk of tooth decay |
| Inhalers (particularly those containing steroids) | Damage tooth enamel | Increased risk of tooth decay |
| Some antibiotics | Disturb the natural mouth environment | Thrush (fungal infection) |
If you assist someone who takes medication, support them to:
- Ask their doctor, pharmacist or oral health professional if the medication is likely to affect their oral health.
- Choose sugar-free medicines wherever possible.
- Rinse their mouth with water after taking medication which has sugar in it, or contains steroids.
Never offer medicine in a sweet food or drink (eg jam).
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