| Peptic Ulcer
Oral Effects
Oral effects of peptic ulcer disease are rare, unless you have stomach acid regurgitation
(backwards flow of acid into the mouth), which can lead to tooth erosion.
The side effects of some peptic ulcer drugs include dry mouth (xerostomia),
changes in taste, and an oral condition known as black hairy tongue.
At the Dentist
Certain medications that dentists prescribe (aspirin, aspirin-like drugs, steroids)
can aggravate or reactivate peptic ulcer disease. Make sure that your dentist
is aware of any previous episodes of peptic ulcer disease that you may have
had. Let your dentist know which medications you are taking so he or she can
avoid interactions or side effects. Antacids can reduce the effectiveness of
some antibiotics and antifungal drugs that might be given by your dentist.
Antacids decrease and/or neutralize stomach acid, which is needed for some
drugs to activate. Patients with active peptic ulcer disease that require dental
treatment should have certain blood tests before therapy is started.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Heartburn)
Oral Effects
People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may report a foul taste in
the mouth, a burning sensation in the mouth, and may have tooth erosion caused
by digestive acids entering the mouth. Frequent use of antacids can lead to
an oral condition known as black hairy tongue.
At the Dentist
Certain oral rinses can be prescribed for patients with GERD to decrease acidity
and minimize the bad taste in the mouth. If you have active GERD, you should
receive prescription topical fluoride therapy to strengthen (remineralize)
your teeth.
Let your dentist know which medications you are taking so he or she can
avoid interactions or side effects. Antacids can reduce the effectiveness
of many antibiotics and antifungal drugs that might be given by your dentist.
Antacids decrease and/or neutralize stomach acid, which is needed for some
drugs to activate.
It is important that a dental specialist examines you if you have a burning
sensation in your mouth because other diseases, such as yeast infections,
diabetes, and neuropathy can cause this symptom.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Oral Effects
Some patients with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative
colitis) may experience ulcers, sores and overgrowths of tissue in their mouths.
Some people also may experience oral fungal infections (thrush)
as a medication side effect.
At the Dentist
If you experience chronic bleeding, bring copies of your current blood tests
for your dentist to review prior to dental treatment.
If you have been on steroids for more than two weeks, you may need additional
steroid treatment before dental care. When you take steroids, your adrenal
glands (which normally produce hormones that respond to stress) don't work
as well. This means that your body is less able to respond to stress, which
can lead to serious complications, such as rapidly decreasing blood pressure.
Let your dentist know if you are on long-term steroids and what the highest
dosage has been in the past so he or she can consider possible steroid replacement
therapy.
Drugs that suppress your immune system also can increase your risk of infection.
It's important to make your dentist aware of any medications you are taking.
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