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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sarita0001 on October 1, 2003, at 21:02:12
Hi,
A few weeks ago I saw "dental caries" as a side effect for lithium. I remembered when my level was high that I went to the dentist and had 4 cavities. And ever since I have been on it I have always had at least one. Anyone else had this experience on any other meds?
Thanks.
Posted by mattdds on October 2, 2003, at 1:49:52
In reply to meds and cavities, posted by sarita0001 on October 1, 2003, at 21:02:12
Hello,
I may be able to offer an answer. I'm a senior dental student.
Yes, medications (often psychiatric meds) can cause xerostomia which leads to increased rates of decay. Xerostomia is a fancy word that means dry mouth.
Saliva has a protective effect on the oral environment. If A medication induces xerostomia, it will likely increase your risk of getting caries (cavities).
It is important to take extra good care of your teeth when taking xerostomia-inducing meds. Some dentists also recommend a product called Biotene (comes in a mouthwash and toothpaste) which replaces some of the enzymes normally in saliva. Sometimes medications to increase salivary flow (Salagen and Evoxac) are prescribed, but these have their own set of bothersome side-effects.
I forget if lithium causes dry mouth. I imagine it does, as this is really the only way that meds can lead to increases in caries.
Best,
Matt
Posted by delna on October 2, 2003, at 2:40:53
In reply to Re: meds and cavities » sarita0001, posted by mattdds on October 2, 2003, at 1:49:52
i develop 5-7 cavities every 3 months. Its become a problem of its own. also the carbo cravings i have when i am half asleep dont help-when i give into them( which i usually do)
personally i am quite scared as many of my teeth have had to be capped and i am only 29! Plus it is so expensive that this doesnt help my feelings of anxiety and hopelessness.
delna
Posted by utopizen on October 2, 2003, at 3:31:47
In reply to Re: meds and cavities, posted by delna on October 2, 2003, at 2:40:53
Um, well, at the very least, no one with dry mouth, according to my dentist, should ever think about going to bed without rinsing with a flouride wash. I like Colgate Phosphur. Obviously, I'm sure your dentist has mentioned this, it's the first thing they'd say to anyone with a cavity problem in general.
In addition, you should ask about combining it with Salagen or Evoxac. Your GP might be more comfortable with prescribing it, since I've found only dental surgeons are comfortable with the pad, and that's because they need to prescribe pain killers. My dentist never heard of either Salagen or Evoxac.
Evoxac is a little more high-tech, a couple of years newer, and lasts an couple of hours longer. I'd start with it. I did get sweats on my face first day of trying it, but that went away, and now all I notice is that it increases my saliva output.
But first things first, if you're not flossing, brushing 3x/day (2x/day assumes you never had a cavity before like me) and floss 2x/day, use Biotene toothpaste, a new toothbrush every month, and Biotene mouthwash 3x/day to rinse with, you will get more damage. And
Evoxac won't replace any of this, it'll just ensure you won't have to worry about cavities as much. Side-effects really aren't that bad, I don't get any, and it's obviously outweighted when you consider how much money you've invested in your teeth over your lifetime (for me, easily $3500 just in orthodontics alone, including mouthgaurd/retainer set and a couple of replacements).
Posted by fallsfall on October 2, 2003, at 7:04:58
In reply to Evoxac for dry mouth » delna, posted by utopizen on October 2, 2003, at 3:31:47
I've been using Biotene toothpaste for 6 years or so. I have bad gums, and it is supposed to help with that when the gums are exacerbated by dry mouth.
The main reason I use it, though, is that it tastes really good. It is much milder, subtler than the main stream toothpastes. I would use it even if I didn't have dry mouth. (It is a bit more expensive, though)
This is the end of the thread.
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