Many medicines facilitate the formation of cavities

2000/06/20 Roa Zubia, Guillermo - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Mikrobiologia
• Osasuna

Acid-producing bacteria are a continuous threat to the teeth. The mouth has a great recourse against them: saliva. Saliva protects the teeth and, to some extent, resolves the traces of bacterial attacks. But more than 600 drugs are known that dry the mouth. As a result, the receiver does not pour saliva correctly and conditions for development of cavities are created.

The dentist Gene Watson of the University of Rochester has developed his professional life researching oral health. The final results indicate research with clonidine in mice. Clonidine is a medicine that controls blood pressure. It is also often used to treat hyperactive children.

Tooth decay

Rodents develop cavities like humans. Therefore, the proper prevention methods in the mouse will also be effective in humans. Mice that took clonidine developed more holes in the teeth than did not. The difference was around 84%.

In the last study, the team selected clonidine, since most patients receiving blood pressure treatment dried their mouth. This drug reduces the number of neurotransmitters and the excitation of the salivary glands is insufficient.

It is not the only study done by Watson. Atropine, for example, reduces the fluidity of saliva and propanol, used in heart treatments, can alter the composition of saliva. There are more examples of these behaviors.

According to Watson, any substance that affects saliva should be studied by dentists. "Saliva neutralizes the acid that is generated in the mouth," he says. "By eating sugar, the acid produced by bacteria demineralizes the teeth. The deteriorated mineral layer is replaced by saliva".

The effect of dry mouth has not enough echo. Watson insists that the problem is common for so many people, as many have to take nonstop medicines. In general, salivary flow decreases. Dry mouth introduces the patient into a cycle. Often the person drinks acidic or sugary drinks. This facilitates the formation of cavities.

Saliva

In addition to medications, Sjogren's syndrome (a type of disease) and radiation therapy to cure neck cancer may interrupt saliva secretion because they damage the salivary gland. Those who treat these diseases and care for patients should take into account the effect of dry mouth on the teeth.

For those taking medicines that generate dryness, Dr. Watson gives some tips. To begin with, as far as possible, you should talk to your doctor about treatment for other types of medications, reduce your dose, or change your intake schedule. In addition, it recommends washing your teeth frequently, adjusting your diet and stopping snacks. In any case, fluoride will be used for cleaning the teeth.