Oftentimes, when children need antibiotics, the medicine is prescribed in liquid form, since most kids can’t swallow a pill. However, as an adult, you should opt for pill-based medicines whenever possible. Drinking cough medicine or other liquid-based medicines doesn’t bode well for teeth. In fact, frequent exposure to syrupy medication can lead to more visits to the dentist.
To teach her patients about the effects of liquid medicine on teeth, Dr. Deborah Gennero, the lead dentist of your Houston, TX dentist office, provides this blog post.
What’s the Link Between Cough Syrup and Tooth Decay?
When medicine was first introduced into the market, you had one choice: liquid, bottled medicine. It wasn’t pleasant tasting and the common remedy was to have a spoonful of sugar afterward. As time progressed, liquid medicine formula changed and became tastier and easier to take. With fruity flavors, like, grape, orange, and cherry, the days of cringe-worthy medicine were over.
Unfortunately, the improved taste was the addition of corn syrup and sucrose, which oral bacteria feed upon and inevitably leads to cavities. Additionally, syrupy medicines contain citric acid, which promotes the breakdown of tooth enamel. With prolonged use, the acidity combined with sugar can cause tooth decay.
Steps to Prevent Damage to Your Smile
In order stave off any damage to your teeth, take these precautionary measures when taking liquid-based medicines.
- Take liquid medicine during mealtimes rather than before bedtime to ensure your mouth has plenty of saliva to ward off the effects of the syrup.
- Rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum after taking the medicine. If it’s possible, brush your teeth and rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash.
- Whenever possible, your Houston, TX dentist office suggests opting for the pill-based version of the medication, which shouldn’t negatively affect your oral health.
Talk to Houston, TX Dentist about Liquid Medications
Before opting for medications, consider your oral health. Dr. Gennero can detail the dental benefits of taking pill-based medications rather than using the liquid variety. To schedule an appointment with our Houston, TX dentist office, call us at (281) 578-6200. Also, visit our website for services, patient forms, and to learn more about the team. We gladly welcome patients from Clear Lake, The Woodlands, Katy, Sugarland, and surrounding cities.
