Study, Jul/17: "Oral health impacts of medications used to treat mental illness"

[[La...]]

I'm not sure how often people think about oral health side effects of psych meds. I think this is the first study I've come across on the topic, but apparently, these side effects are quite common.

 

A few useful definitions:

 

Xerostomia = dry mouth, low salivation

Dysgeusia = distortion of the sense of taste

Tardive dyskinesia = a disorder that results in involuntary, repetitive body movements

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28759866 

 

 

 

 

 

[[Bu...]]

Hi Lapis,

 

I believe these meds can affect our oral health. Ever since being on benzos and withdrawing, my gum health isn't as good as before.  I never had gum issues but, now they bleed easier and can get painful and puffy.  I'm using a good, natural mouthwash that is helpful and hope they will improve as time goes by.

[[La...]]

Hi BurnedOut,

I'm sure it will improve! These meds are unbelievable in terms of how many side effects they can have. Are you taking any vitamin C? I think it's a factor in gum health.

[[Bu...]]

I take a low dose of vitamin C but, since I can tolerate it again, probably need to take more of it.  Thanks for the reminder about vitamin C and gum health Lapis 

[[La...]]

I'm not sure how much is enough/too much these days, so I recently cut mine down to 250 mg twice a day. I just cut the 500 mg in half. I don't think they even sell the 250 mg tablets. The cherries have been amazing this summer, so that's a way better, more delicious source of vitamin C!

[[Bu...]]

Agreed!  The cherries have been great and we've been able to get some great blueberries and peaches, too 

[[La...]]

Yes, same here -- in Ontario. Great growing region around Niagara, i.e. near the Falls! Almost over, though, so we'll soon be back to oranges from Florida, plus vitamin C in tablet form.  :'(