Dentists drugs use medications to treat oral health conditions. Dental medications can relieve pain, prevent disease, and fight infection, among other things. Common medications used before or after a dental procedure or oral surgery can reduce pain or discomfort and help prevent complications.
What are dental medications and drugs?
Dentists use various dental medications to treat oral health conditions. They may prescribe medications to relieve pain, relax, prevent disease, or fight infection.
Your dentist will recommend dental medications and dosages based on your needs, age, health status, medications you are taking, weight, and other factors.
What are the different types of dental medications and drugs?
There are several types of medications used in dentistry, depending on your needs. Your dentist can administer them in the office as part of a treatment or procedure, or you may need a prescription from a pharmacy to take them at home. These include:
- Pain relievers or painkillers.
- Preventive medications to prevent cavities or treat plaque and gingivitis.
- Medications to treat dry mouth or excessive salivation.
- Antiviral medications.
- Antifungal medications.
- Anti-anxiety medications.
Medications you can get at the dental office
At almost every dental visit, from cleanings to fillings, root canals, and more, your dentist will use some type of medication. These may include:
Numbing or sedation medications during dental procedures
Dentists use anesthesia to relieve pain or irritation by numbing the irritated areas of your mouth so you don’t feel anything. Like pain relievers, the calming effect of anesthetics can also help prevent discomfort or anxiety.
Over-the-counter or prescription anesthetics come in many forms, including gels and sprays. You can also get anesthetics as an injection or inhalation.
The main types used in dentistry are:
- Topical anesthetics, such as benzocaine, which can be applied straight to the inside of your mouth. A local anesthetic, such as lidocaine or Novocaine, numbs a specific part of the mouth, as is used during wisdom teeth extraction.
- General anesthesia relaxes and numbs the entire body. Sometimes, the dentist will use a sedative so you can sleep lightly but still respond to the staff if needed. They may also give you nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you relax through the procedure. If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), the dentist may combine adrenaline with local anaesthesia. This reduces bleeding during the procedure.
Medications to Prevent Cavities
Cavities occur when acid damages the surface of your teeth (enamel). Dentists often recommend fluoride to strengthen teeth and prevent or reverse cavities. Consult your dentist about the most effective form of fluoride for your needs.
Medications to Combat Plaque and Gingivitis
Plaque is a common problem. If left untreated, it can main to gingivitis or bad breath.
To remove plaque and prevent or treat gingivitis, dentists often use an antiseptic called chlorhexidine (such as Peridex™). Chlorhexidine is used as a mouthwash to reduce the number of bacteria caused by periodontitis (gum disease) or after dental procedures (usually for a short time).
Using chlorhexidine can increase tartar buildup or staining on teeth, fillings, dentures, and other appliances. It can also affect your sense of taste. Visit your dentist regularly to treat plaque and stains, and to maintain good oral hygiene. Home Remedies for Dental Problems
You may need other medications to take at home before or after your dental visit.
Toothache Medications
You may experience pain, irritation, or discomfort with dental applications such as dentures or braces, or with conditions such as toothaches or canker sores. Topical pain relievers (such as Anbesol®, Chloraseptic®, Orajel®, and Xylocaine®) that you rub in your mouth may help relieve pain. Consult your dentist before using any of these medications. However, never use topical pain relievers on teething babies.
These pain relievers come in several forms:
- Toothpaste or cream.
- Gel.
- Lozenge.
- Mouthwash.
- Ointment.
- Spray.
You may also need pain relievers before dental treatment.
Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter or treatment pain relievers before a filling, crown (restorative dentistry), or oral surgery.
These medications include:
- Acetaminophen.
- Corticosteroids.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen, for mild to moderate pain. (Never give aspirin to infants or children unless recommended by a dentist.)
- Opioids (narcotics) for moderate to severe pain caused by procedures such as tooth extractions, gum grafts, or dental implants.
Talk to your dentist about the possible side effects of pain relievers, such as dry mouth (xerostomia), plaque, or cavities. Many over-the-counter pain relievers are as effective, or even more so, than opioids, which carry significantly greater risks.
Medications for Dry Mouth or Drooling
Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands in the mouth don’t produce enough saliva. Dental medications to increase saliva production (sialagogues) include:
- Cevimeline
- Pilocarpine
Saliva substitutes with ingredients that temporarily relieve dry mouth symptoms.
Some people produce too much saliva (hypersalivation). Your dentist may prescribe medications to reduce saliva production (antisalivants). Medications to reduce drooling or hypersalivation include:
- Atropine sulfate
- Glycopyrrolate
- Scopolamine
- Medications for Severe Periodontal Disease
- For severe periodontal disease (periodontitis), your dentist may recommend antibiotics such as amoxicillin or doxycycline. These medications fight bacterial infections and help prevent gum or bone loss, as well as other complications.
Antibiotics for Bacterial Oral Infections
Dentists use various antibiotics to treat oral infections caused by bacteria. They come in various forms, including mouthwashes, ointments, tablets, and liquids.
In some cases, such as severe periodontal disease (periodontitis), you may be given an antibiotic before or after dental treatment. This prevents bacteria that normally live in the tissues surrounding the teeth from entering the bloodstream, where they can cause infections in other parts of the body.
Antibiotics commonly used in dentistry include:
- Amoxicillin
- Clindamycin
- Azithromycin
Your treatment may consist of an antibiotic alone or in combination with other medications or treatments.
Antiviral Medications for Viral Oral Infections
While other professionals can treat a cold or the flu, dentists often treat viruses that affect the mouth. Medications cannot cure viral infections, but they can relieve symptoms, such as cold sores.
Antiviral medications used in dentistry include:
- Acyclovir
- Valacyclovir
- Famciclovir
Antifungals for Oral Yeast Infections
Young people have a common oral infection caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. To prevent its spread, your dentist will prescribe antifungals. Dentists also prescribe antifungals to treat denture-related stomatitis.
These medications can come in pill or tablet form. You can also rinse your mouth with a liquid medication before spitting or swallowing.
The most common types include:
- Clotrimazole
- Fluconazole
- Miconazole
- Nystatin
Medications for Dental Anxiety
Many people experience anxiety at the thought of going to the dentist. But if your dental anxiety is starting to interfere with your daily life, talk to your dentist. They can recommend ways to reduce stress and relax your muscles. They may also recommend consulting a mental health professional for medication to reduce anxiety or depression.
Anxiety disorders can affect the mouth in many ways. They can:
- Cause bruxism (intense teeth grinding).
- They contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. Dentists may sometimes prescribe muscle relaxants to treat TMJ.
- If you have difficulty performing everyday tasks, such as brushing your teeth, this can affect your oral hygiene.
What are the benefits of medications in dentistry?
Your dentist uses medications to ensure your safety, comfort, and health. Each type of medication has its own benefits.
Some medications fight infections or make procedures easier. Others keep your teeth and gums healthy or relieve pain. Talk to your dentist about the medications you need and answer any questions you may have.
What are the risks?
Most medications used in dentistry are low-risk. In some cases, medications that treat one condition can increase your risk of developing another.
For example, some strong pain relievers can increase your chance of developing cavities or dry mouth. Your dentist will explain the risks and profits of each type of medication and help you prevent complications.
Overview
Dentists use medications to safely and effectively treat conditions of the mouth, teeth, and gums. Medications can relieve pain, reduce anxiety before a procedure, treat infections, or prevent complications. Your dentist will tell you what medications you need, how they work, and what you can expect to feel. They will also answer your questions so you feel comfortable and confident during your dental treatment.