Common Medications
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Oral and dental health is an important part of your overall health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth cavities and gum disease and has also been linked to serious medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Proper dental hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and limiting sugar intake, should be encouraged during childhood and continued throughout life.
In the United States, the CDC reports that more than 1 in 4 adults has untreated tooth decay and nearly half of all adults have some signs of gum disease. Healthy gums and teeth require a lifelong commitment. Taking some simple steps to maintain oral and dental hygiene can help avoid long-term health issues and expensive dental procedures.
Medications for Oral and Dental Hygiene
Dental care professionals use a range of prescription and non-prescription medications and products to prevent and treat oral diseases or control symptoms like pain or anxiety before and during dental procedures. Some of the commonly used medications for oral and dental care are described below.
Local anesthetic agents like lidocaine are commonly used during dental procedures to control pain. Some prescription or over-the-counter oral gels like Orasep contain a local anesthetic (benzocaine) as one of the active ingredients and are used for temporary relief of pain and irritation in the mouth and throat. Other examples are Anbesol, Orajel, Chloraseptic, and Xylocaine.
Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be used to relieve mild pain or swelling caused by oral conditions or dental appliances.
Corticosteroids like Oralone have an anti-inflammatory action and are used to reduce swelling, pain, and itching from mouth sores and other such conditions.
Antibiotics like chlorhexidine are used to control plaque and gingivitis (gum inflammation). Antiseptic mouth rinses are available over-the-counter to reduce germs in the mouth that cause plaque and gingivitis. A mouth rinse or mouth freshener such as Peridex can also be used to control halitosis (bad breath). Other prescription antibiotics like minocycline (Arestin) are used to treat periodontitis (severe gum infection).
Medications for dry mouth, such as pilocarpine (Salagen), work by stimulating saliva production. Aquoral spray moistens and lubricates the mouth for up to 4 hours and is used to treat dry mouth and throat.
Muscle relaxants are used to temporarily reduce jaw muscle contraction and relieve bruxism (teeth grinding) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Antifungals like nystatin (Mycostatin) are used to treat Candida fungal infections in the mouth and throat such as oral thrush and denture stomatitis.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Oral Health
Hundreds of over-the-counter dental and oral care products are sold without prescriptions. Not all of these products are regulated by federal regulatory agencies like the FDA. When choosing over-the-counter oral care products, a good rule of thumb is to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The American Dental Association (ADA) is a leading advocate for oral health. More than 200 products carry this seal, which signifies that the product has undergone extensive testing for safety and efficacy.
Common Side Effects of Oral and Dental Medications
Local anesthetics used in dentistry rarely cause side effects. Sometimes, the numbness can extend beyond the target area. The eyelids or cheek muscles may temporarily droop until the drug wears off. Very rarely, injections of dental local anesthetics can cause hematoma (blood collection) or nerve damage.
Corticosteroid-containing dental medications can cause itching, burning, irritation, blistering, peeling, and dryness as side effects. Dermatitis (skin inflammation) and secondary infections of the oral mucosa (lining) can also occur.
Potential side effects of antiseptic and antibiotic-containing mouthwashes and mouth rinses include teeth or tongue staining, mouth or throat irritation, unpleasant taste, dry mouth, gingivitis (gum inflammation), and tongue swelling. Oral antibiotics can cause headaches, flu-like symptoms, and mouth irritation.
Antifungals can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, and skin redness or irritation.
Common Questions
How often do I need to go to the dentist?
For most people, it is recommended to visit the dentist twice a year or every six months. Maintaining good oral and dental hygiene can allow you to lengthen the time between visits to your dentist. If you have symptoms like ulcers, sores, bleeding or swollen gums, hot or cold sensitivity, chronic bad breath, frequent dry mouth, toothache, pain with chewing or biting, loose teeth, or cracked or broken teeth, you should see a dentist as soon as possible because these are signs of dental health problems.
What can I do to make my teeth whiter?
If you have stains or yellowing of your teeth, there are many over-the-counter teeth whitening products available that you can try. Your dentist may also give you gels or trays to take home. If you’re using an OTC teeth-whitening product, look for the ADA seal and check with your dentist before using it. If you have dark stains, you may need professional cleaning in your dentist’s office. You should not keep using over-the-counter products for a long period as they can damage your teeth.
Can I get a discount on oral and dental hygiene products with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including dental and oral hygiene products —as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20045536
2. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/index.html
3. https://medlineplus.gov/toothdisorders.html
4. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-visits/how-often-should-you-go-to-the-dentist
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10909-medications-used-in-dentistry
6. https://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance
7. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/anesthesia/dental-anesthesia-side-effects-and-causes-for-treatment
8. https://www.rxlist.com/oralone-drug.htm#side_effects
9. https://www.rxlist.com/peridex-side-effects-drug-center.htm
10. https://www.rxlist.com/mycostatin-side-effects-drug-center.htm
Common Oral and Dental Hygiene Health Medications
Oral and Dental Hygiene
Get the latest information on common prescription and over-the-counter oral and dental hygiene drugs.
Oral and dental health is an important part of your overall health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth cavities and gum disease and has also been linked to serious medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Proper dental hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and limiting sugar intake, should be encouraged during childhood and continued throughout life.
In the United States, the CDC reports that more than 1 in 4 adults has untreated tooth decay and nearly half of all adults have some signs of gum disease. Healthy gums and teeth require a lifelong commitment. Taking some simple steps to maintain oral and dental hygiene can help avoid long-term health issues and expensive dental procedures.
Medications for Oral and Dental Hygiene
Dental care professionals use a range of prescription and non-prescription medications and products to prevent and treat oral diseases or control symptoms like pain or anxiety before and during dental procedures. Some of the commonly used medications for oral and dental care are described below.
Local anesthetic agents like lidocaine are commonly used during dental procedures to control pain. Some prescription or over-the-counter oral gels like Orasep contain a local anesthetic (benzocaine) as one of the active ingredients and are used for temporary relief of pain and irritation in the mouth and throat. Other examples are Anbesol, Orajel, Chloraseptic, and Xylocaine.
Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be used to relieve mild pain or swelling caused by oral conditions or dental appliances.
Corticosteroids like Oralone have an anti-inflammatory action and are used to reduce swelling, pain, and itching from mouth sores and other such conditions.
Antibiotics like chlorhexidine are used to control plaque and gingivitis (gum inflammation). Antiseptic mouth rinses are available over-the-counter to reduce germs in the mouth that cause plaque and gingivitis. A mouth rinse or mouth freshener such as Peridex can also be used to control halitosis (bad breath). Other prescription antibiotics like minocycline (Arestin) are used to treat periodontitis (severe gum infection).
Medications for dry mouth, such as pilocarpine (Salagen), work by stimulating saliva production. Aquoral spray moistens and lubricates the mouth for up to 4 hours and is used to treat dry mouth and throat.
Muscle relaxants are used to temporarily reduce jaw muscle contraction and relieve bruxism (teeth grinding) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Antifungals like nystatin (Mycostatin) are used to treat Candida fungal infections in the mouth and throat such as oral thrush and denture stomatitis.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Oral Health
Hundreds of over-the-counter dental and oral care products are sold without prescriptions. Not all of these products are regulated by federal regulatory agencies like the FDA. When choosing over-the-counter oral care products, a good rule of thumb is to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The American Dental Association (ADA) is a leading advocate for oral health. More than 200 products carry this seal, which signifies that the product has undergone extensive testing for safety and efficacy.
Common Side Effects of Oral and Dental Medications
Local anesthetics used in dentistry rarely cause side effects. Sometimes, the numbness can extend beyond the target area. The eyelids or cheek muscles may temporarily droop until the drug wears off. Very rarely, injections of dental local anesthetics can cause hematoma (blood collection) or nerve damage.
Corticosteroid-containing dental medications can cause itching, burning, irritation, blistering, peeling, and dryness as side effects. Dermatitis (skin inflammation) and secondary infections of the oral mucosa (lining) can also occur.
Potential side effects of antiseptic and antibiotic-containing mouthwashes and mouth rinses include teeth or tongue staining, mouth or throat irritation, unpleasant taste, dry mouth, gingivitis (gum inflammation), and tongue swelling. Oral antibiotics can cause headaches, flu-like symptoms, and mouth irritation.
Antifungals can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, and skin redness or irritation.
Common Questions
How often do I need to go to the dentist?
For most people, it is recommended to visit the dentist twice a year or every six months. Maintaining good oral and dental hygiene can allow you to lengthen the time between visits to your dentist. If you have symptoms like ulcers, sores, bleeding or swollen gums, hot or cold sensitivity, chronic bad breath, frequent dry mouth, toothache, pain with chewing or biting, loose teeth, or cracked or broken teeth, you should see a dentist as soon as possible because these are signs of dental health problems.
What can I do to make my teeth whiter?
If you have stains or yellowing of your teeth, there are many over-the-counter teeth whitening products available that you can try. Your dentist may also give you gels or trays to take home. If you’re using an OTC teeth-whitening product, look for the ADA seal and check with your dentist before using it. If you have dark stains, you may need professional cleaning in your dentist’s office. You should not keep using over-the-counter products for a long period as they can damage your teeth.
Can I get a discount on oral and dental hygiene products with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including dental and oral hygiene products —as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20045536
2. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/index.html
3. https://medlineplus.gov/toothdisorders.html
4. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-visits/how-often-should-you-go-to-the-dentist
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10909-medications-used-in-dentistry
6. https://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance
7. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/anesthesia/dental-anesthesia-side-effects-and-causes-for-treatment
8. https://www.rxlist.com/oralone-drug.htm#side_effects
9. https://www.rxlist.com/peridex-side-effects-drug-center.htm
10. https://www.rxlist.com/mycostatin-side-effects-drug-center.htm
Common Oral and Dental Hygiene Health Medications
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