Prevora Blog

At the recent International Association of Dental Research (IADR) meeting held in Toronto, Dr. Tina Papas (Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston) presented the results of a nine month study on the changes in oral health status in patients taking psychiatric medications compared to patients who were taking medications known to cause xerostomia (dry mouth). It is well known that many psychiatric drugs such as those used to treat anxiety, depression and those with an effect on the autonomic nervous system all have a xerogenic (drying) effect. Medications that cause dry mouth have been shown to contribute to a higher caries rate.

In her abstract Dr. Papas was able to demonstrate in a population of 653 patients that psychiatric drugs led to a significantly higher increase in periodontal attachment loss and recession and a significantly higher increment of caries than even drugs known to cause xerostomia. This is despite having acceptable oral hygiene habits and receiving regular dental visits.

This reinforces data by Rindal published in 2005 (Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 33:74-80) demonstrating that for patients taking antidepressants the restoration rate is an amazing 60% higher than for those taking no medication at all.

Clearly, understanding a patient’s medical history and specifically the use of psychiatric drugs could be critical in identifying this risk factor for caries and assist in the development of preventive treatment strategies.

See the link below for the abstract of Dr Papas’ presention

IADR Session 1513 Changes in Oral Health Status in Volunteers on Psychiatric Medications

Take Care,
Tyler

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