Oral Care/Dental Care Information & Discounts

How can I manage an oral or dental problem?

Canker Sores

Canker sores are not cold sores and are actually ulcers that occur in the mouth rather than the stomach. People who get canker sores usually have a family member who also has them. The best medicine for canker sores depends on the cause, but they are usually the result of an autoimmune reaction.  A simple canker sore treatment is to regularly wash the mouth with baking soda, salt, and warm water until the sore heals. Over the counter canker sore medicines can also be purchased. If you have persistent canker sores, you could have an autoimmune disease that is manifesting itself in the form of canker sores such as Celiac’s or Crohn’s disease. Make an appointment with your immunologist. For information about canker sore prescription medicine, see the drug information section.

Gingivitis

Gingivititis is simply plaque that forms around the gums. It can be prevented with the use of fluoride mouth rinse, daily brushing and flossing, and regular annual cleaning with your dentist. For those prone to gingivitis, the use of oral NSAIDs for gingivitis medication has been shown to greatly reduce pain and inflammation. For more information about gingivitis medication and preventing periodontitis, see the types of medication section.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can be caused by a variety of factors from mouth breathing to prescription drugs and can cause other problems such as cavities. Dry mouth is the result of under productivity of the salivary glands. Symptoms include cavities, thirst, a lack of saliva pooling under the tongue, thick or sticky saliva, a need to drink something frequently when talking, and a burning or tingling sensation in the mouth. Your dentist can easily test you for xerostomia. For information about dry mouth medications, see the drug information section.

Pain

Oral pain can arise from a variety of conditions including the growth of new teeth, gingivitis and gum disease, tooth decay, teeth grinding, fracture and more. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist for persistent toothaches. In the meantime you may use a topical over the counter gel such as Orajel. For information about wisdom teeth removal drugs for pain, see the drug information section.

What are the different types of dental drugs/oral medications?

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are used topically as well as orally to treat a variety of autoimmune conditions and inflammation. They are sometimes the best medicine for persistent canker sores that have not healed on their own. They work by modifying the body’s immune response at the site of application. For information about specific corticosteroids as canker sore prescriptions, see the drug information section.

Chlorhexidine Mouthwashes

These are prescription mouthwashes that can be used as periodontitis and gingivitis medication. Different strengths of chlorhexidine may be purchased depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. Chlorhexidine is a bactericide that immediately kills bacteria and is absorbed into the teeth’s enamel. If you have pain or inflammation from gingivitis, ask your dentist about a mouthwash that also contains diclofenac, an NSAID.

Painkillers

Oral or topical painkillers are often needed for dental problems and after surgeries. Topical painkillers for toothaches may be purchased over the counter. They usually include benzocaine, a local anesthetic. To read about pain pills as wisdom teeth drugs, see the drug information section.

Muscarinic Agonists

Muscarinic agonists are medications for dry mouth that activate the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. This stimulates the salivary glands, leading to increased production of saliva. Muscarinic agonists are used as dry mouth medications. To read more about a specific product, see the drug information section.

What are the symptoms of dental problems?

Foul breath, grinding your teeth, toothaches, constant dry mouth, and bleeding gums are all signs of oral or dental problems.  Signs that you might grind your teeth include waking up with a severe headache in the morning. If you have a lot of tension or stress and have headaches in the mornings, ask your dentist if you grind your teeth.