Most millennials hardly even think about going to the dentist. But research shows that millennial women probably should be going to the dentist more often than their parents do. Out of the common medications that impact your oral health, millennial women are likely to be taking several of them. If you are a millennial woman, there are three medications you should definitely talk to their dentist about.
1. The Pill
The Pill can cause some women’s gums to turn discolored, and for others it causes a more painful reaction– inflammation or lesions on their gums. If you experience these side effects from the pill, you should see a dentist right away so that they can recommend a course of treatment.
2. Anti-Depressants
Anti-Depressant and Anti-Anxiety meds may have a positive impact on your mental health, but they tend to have a negative impact on your dental health. Anti-depressants can cause dry mouth, which may not seem like a big deal but can lead to gum decay and even tooth loss down the road. Dentists (https://drnancyhalsema.com/2017/07/if-youre-using-these-medicines-visit-your-dentist-more-often/) recommend that people with dry mouth visit at least twice a year. This is of concern to millennial women, as they are twice as likely to be depressed as their male counterparts. An article published in Bustle in May of 2017 revealed that one in five millennials are depressed. Just a guess, but I’m betting missing teeth and rotting gums are not going to put you in a Zen state of mind either. If you are on Anti-depressants or Anti-anxiety medication, preserve your teeth and state of mind by visiting your dentist every six months.
3. Gummy Vitamins
Gummy and chewable vitamins might be popular right now, but did you know that those delicious little nuggets of nostalgia are filled with sugar that can lead to cavities? In April of 2015, three dentists sat down with Teen Vogue to reveal the ugly truth about these adorable vitamins. Not only do gummy vitamins contain three grams of sugar per serving (which is only two bears, by the way), they also contain gelatin, sucrose, and glucose, ingredients that stick to teeth and contribute to faster decay. If you take a gummy vitamin, be sure to take into account that you are starting the day with at least twelve percent of your recommended daily amount of sugar in the form of two gummy bears. Also make sure you are taking great overall care of your mouth by brushing and flossing twice a day.
If you’re like most millennial women, you are probably taking at least two out of three of these medications. While you should never stop taking any prescribed medication without your doctor’s permission, if you are on any of the medications listed above you should let your dentist know and make a point to schedule a visit every six months. A small investment in oral health now could save you a lot of money down the road.
