Many medications, including vitamins, minerals and prescription medication, can have a negative effect on your oral health. You should be aware of the side effects and the potential serious consequences.

In this column, I will address some common medications prescribed for medical ailments and the oral health side effects they can cause.

Anti-blood clotting medications

Examples of these include Heparin, Eloquis, Pradaxa, Coumadin, Plavix, Xarelto, etc

If you suffer from a heart or vascular disease, you may be prescribed an anti-clotting medication. They are referred to as “blood thinners”. These medications prevent clots from forming in your blood vessels that can lead to a stroke or heart attack. When these ill-fated clots form, little or no oxygen gets to a site causing death to tissues or an organ. Even regular aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents like Motrin or Advil can cause “thinning” of the blood.

While these drugs have proven benefits, the potential side effects are excessive bleeding. Dentists become very concerned when their patients use them. What makes matters worse is when the dentist is unaware. Some dental procedures, like a simple extraction, can expose the hidden bleeding problem. If you are taking one or more of these medications, it takes longer for any type of bleeding to stop.

The most important thing you should do is to inform your dentist right away if you are taking any kind of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication, especially if you have just started taking it. This information will be noted in your records and where necessary, contact made with your medical doctor or cardiologist.

A number of studies have shown that for many common dental procedures like cleanings, fillings and gum treatment, it’s safer to continue taking anticoagulant medications than to stop, even temporarily. This is because it is generally possible to control bleeding with local measures (such as biting down on gauze) or constant pressure. Scheduling dental work early in the day and allowing plenty of time for rest afterward also gives us an opportunity to control any bleeding that does occur.

Anti-osteoporosis medications

Osteoporosis is a common ailment, especially for women experiencing menopause. As a result, women are at increased risk of bone fracture. Bisphosphonates are the most widely prescribed osteoporosis medications.

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