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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

I never thought of myself as an addict, but I did end up addicted to anti-anxiety medication after developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At some point, the medicine stopped being a way to deal with the nervousness and panic attacks, and became something my body craved. I knew that I needed help fast. Fortunately, a local drug rehab program includes support for people like me. They helped me wean off the medication, use methods like massage therapy to help my nerves heal, and even provided ongoing counseling for our family. I don't know how I would have made it without their help. If you suspect that your medication has crossed the line from being helpful to hurtful, take heart. Let me tell you about my journey out of addiction and back to wholeness.

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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

Understanding How Medicines Can Cause Gum Health Issues

by Valerie Stevens

You may understand that certain diseases like diabetes can cause gum disease. However, you may be unaware that medications can cause gums inflammation and infection issues as well. If you are currently experiencing a gum disease issue, then your medication may be the cause. Keep reading to learn about a few different medicines that may cause the issue.

Antianxiety Medicines

There are hundreds of medications that list dry mouth as a side effect. While some medicines will cause a generally mild case of the issue, antianxiety medications, antidepressants, antihistamines, incontinence medicines, antipsychotics, and Parkinson's medicines are among the worst when it comes to causing dry mouth issues. 

Saliva is one of your body's main defenses when it comes to gum disease. The fluids rinse away bacteria that can infect the gums, and it also keeps food bits away from the teeth that encourage bacterial feeding. Saliva also helps with the retention of an optimal pH in the mouth where bacteria have a difficult time thriving. 

If you happen to take a medicine that causes dry mouth, then you can work with a dentist to help reduce the issue. You can take saliva substitutes that are similar in function as saliva and your dentist can complete cleanings more often so plaque and tartar are controlled to minimize bacteria activity. You should also keep your mouth moist at home by sipping on water daily. 

Immunosuppressive Drugs

Certain medications that include immunosuppressive agents, oral contraceptives, chemotherapy medications, and blood pressure drugs can cause interactions with the soft tissues of the mouth where sores, inflammation, and tissue discoloration develops. All of these things can leave the gums exposed and open to infections and this can cause or exacerbate gum disease problems. 

If you are taking a medicine that can cause mouth sores, then you should follow a special oral care regimen. You will need to use both toothpaste and mouthwash that can control the bacteria in the mouth. Total control pastes and antibacterial mouthwashes are best. If issues are severe, then you can speak with your dental professional about prescription mouthwash. These types of products typically can only be used for a short time. 

If sores develop due to the use of medication that cause gum overgrowth, like seizure, calcium blockers, and immunosuppressant medicines, then you may need some special tooth for cleaning around the gum tissues. Speak with your dentist about water cleaning tools and flossers that can be worked around the gums. For more information, contact companies like Fuller Periodontics & Implant Dentistry.

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