Medicines can affect your saliva, oral mucosa, blood clotting, immune system and wound healing. This can be noticeable with complete dentures, a plate or frame prosthesis, implant-retained removable dentures and with treatments such as extraction or implants. That is why we ask about your current medication, even if you have been using the same medications for years.
Why do we want to know your medications?
A medication overview helps us to better explain complaints and prepare treatments safely. It's not just about prescription tablets. Also tell us about:
- blood thinners and platelet inhibitors;
- injections, infusions and medicines against osteoporosis;
- prednisone and other immunosuppressants;
- medicines for cancer or after a transplant;
- insulin and other diabetes medications;
- inhaled medicines or inhalers;
- painkillers, sleeping pills and antidepressants;
- medicines from drugstores or supermarkets, vitamins and herbal remedies;
- allergies and previous adverse reactions.
Ask your pharmacy for one current medication overview and take this with you to the appointment. Please also inform us of any changes in medication, dosage, telephone number or GP in the meantime.
Dry mouth due to medications
Many medications can reduce saliva production or increase the feeling of a dry mouth. This occurs, among other things, with some medications for high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, allergies, pain, Parkinson's and excessive urination. The risk often increases when someone uses multiple medications.
Saliva is important for a prosthesis wearer. A thin layer of saliva helps keep a complete denture in place and protects the mucous membrane against friction. When dry, the denture can become looser, stick or cause pressure points more quickly. Eating, swallowing, speaking and tasting may also become more difficult.
Never stop a prescribed medicine yourself because of dry mouth. Discuss the symptoms with your GP or pharmacist. Sometimes a different medicine, timing or dosage may be possible. Also read our detailed page about dry mouth and your dentures.
Blood thinners and oral treatments
Blood thinners can make a wound bleed for longer. This is particularly relevant to tooth extraction, implant placement and other surgery. Stopping medication is generally not relevant to trying in, adjusting or making a conventional denture, but we do need to know what you take.
Never stop taking a blood thinner yourself. Before each treatment, tell the name and dosage. If necessary, the dentist or implantologist will determine in consultation with the prescribing doctor whether adjustment is necessary. The risk of simply stopping may be greater than the risk of bleeding.
Medicines against osteoporosis
Bisphosphonates and denosumab are used, among other things, for osteoporosis and sometimes for cancer. These medications affect bone turnover. A serious jawbone complication is rare, but is important in tooth extraction, implantology and wound healing.
Always state whether you are currently using these drugs or have used them in the past. Also mention whether they are tablets, injections or infusions and how long you have been using them. Don't stop on your own initiative. The dentist or implantologist will assess together with you and, if necessary, with your GP or specialist, what is safe.
Medicines that affect the immune system or wound healing
Prednisone, immunosuppressant medications, certain rheumatoid arthritis medications and cancer treatments can affect the risk of infections or delayed wound healing. Poorly controlled diabetes can also complicate healing. Sometimes consultation with the treating physician is necessary before teeth are removed or implants are placed.
A regular check usually does not need to be postponed. A healthy mouth can be important, especially before intensive medical treatment. Please let us know in good time if you will receive chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy or a transplant.
Inhalers, antibiotics and fungal infections
Some inhaled medicines can increase the risk of an oral fungal infection, particularly if you do not rinse after using them. Fungi may remain on a denture. Follow the instructions for your inhaler, rinse as advised and clean your denture carefully.
White or red spots, a burning sensation, fissures in the corners of the mouth, changed taste or pain under the denture may indicate a fungal infection. Do not use an antifungal medication yourself for a long time. Some drugs have important interactions with other medications, including certain blood thinners.
Painkillers and over-the-counter remedies
Also tell us which painkillers you buy yourself. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin are not suitable for everyone and may cause interactions or additional bleeding risk. Do not combine products without advice and stick to the package leaflet. If in doubt, ask the pharmacist or GP.
Herbal remedies and nutritional supplements seem harmless, but can also influence blood clotting or other medications. So put them on your overview.
Which oral complaints can be related to medication?
- a dry, sticky, or burning mouth;
- a prosthesis that suddenly becomes looser or rubs;
- change in taste or unpleasant taste;
- white or red patches and recurrent fungal infections;
- easy bleeding or bruising;
- slower wound healing;
- swelling, pain or tender jawbone;
- difficulty swallowing dry food or tablets.
These complaints may also have other causes. We assess the mouth and prosthesis and refer to a dentist, general practitioner, pharmacist, implantologist or specialist if necessary.
What should you bring to your appointment?
- a current medication overview from the pharmacy;
- the names and dosages of over-the-counter drugs and supplements;
- your identification and insurance details;
- GP, specialist and pharmacy details if these have changed;
- information about allergies, previous bleeding or wound healing problems.
When should you contact us immediately?
Contact us the same day after treatment if there is bleeding that does not reduce despite firm pressure on clean gauze, rapidly increasing swelling, fever, pus, shortness of breath or an allergic reaction. In case of severe shortness of breath, swelling of the tongue or throat, fainting or other life-threatening complaints, call 112 immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I stop my blood thinner before an appointment?
No, never on your own initiative. Stopping is usually unnecessary for a denture check-up or adjustment. Before extractions or implant placement, your treating clinician determines what is safe.
Why do I have to mention medications that have nothing to do with my mouth?
Medicines can indirectly affect saliva, immune system, blood clotting, bone and healing. Prescribed oral remedies can also interact with your other medications.
Is a medication list from last year sufficient?
Preferably use a recent pharmacy overview. Write down new products, changed dosages, injections and self-care products.
Could my loose prosthesis be caused by medication?
Medications do not directly alter the denture, but mouth dryness and changes in the mucosa can affect fit and comfort. Have both the mouth and the denture checked.
Resources and further information
- KNMT – medication use and oral health
- Apotheek.nl – medications, dry mouth and medication overview
- Thuisarts.nl – blood thinners and the dentist
- Thuisarts.nl – medicines for osteoporosis
This page provides general information and is not personal medication advice. Only change or stop medications after consultation with the prescribing physician or pharmacist.