Even though a peptic ulcer may not cause changes in your mouth, medications that have bismuth in them can cause you to develop a black, hairy tongue. These medications may also cause your sense to taste to change, as well as cause your mouth to feel very dry. Unfortunately, medications used to treat GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) can cause similar oral side effects. In addition, the acids that leak into your mouth from GERD can rot away the enamel on your teeth. You may also develop a burning feeling in your mouth, as well as a bad taste. Even though your mouth may be burning from GERD, it is important to inform your dentist, as this symptom may also indicate the presence of diabetes or an infection.
If you have Crohn’s disease, IBD, or ulcerative colitis, these conditions can also increase your chances of getting mouth sores. In some cases, your inner cheeks or gums may appear swollen. Unfortunately, some medications used to treat these conditions can also cause thrush, and other fungal infections.
Why Procedure is Used
When you have certain digestive disorders, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments to help protect your teeth. You can also use toothpaste and other rinses that contain fluoride in order to reduce oral damage as much as possible. As may be expected, you should always let your dentist know about any medications that you are using. Aside from helping reduce the chances of prescribing medications that will interact with each other, your dentist can also avoid prescribing medications that will not work properly when stomach acid levels are reduced.
Patient Concerns to be Addressed
Unfortunately, steroids, aspirin and similar medications can make your dental problems worse. In particular, if you are taking antacids, they can create a situation that reduces the ability of antibiotic drugs to work properly. On the other hand, drugs that are designed to depress the immune system may cause you to be more prone to infections. If you have an ulcer that is actively bleeding, frequent diarrhoea, or bloody stools, you will need to discuss them with your dentist before having certain procedures. You may also need to bring in copies of your most recent bloodwork under these circumstances.
Typically, individuals that must use steroids for two weeks or more may need to take extra medication prior to dental visits. Among other things, steroids can reduce your ability to deal with stress. This, in turn, can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure while you are having dental procedures.