Medication-Related Damage to Oral Hard and Soft Tissues, 3rd edition

Course overview

Even when used according to recommendations, many common medications can damage, discolor, and otherwise adversely affect the hard and soft oral structures. Oral healthcare providers (OHCPs) must be prepared to address such conditions, which are common among dental patients. OHCPs are increasingly observing the oral effects of polypharmacy in larger numbers of their patients. Furthermore, given the constant evolution of pharmaceutical formulations, dental professionals must keep abreast of new medications and their effects on the oral hard and soft tissues. The purpose of this basic-level course is to prepare dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants to identify these medication-related adverse effects and treat or assist in treating them. This course begins by presenting conditions involving damage to the hard dental structures caused by fluoride, anticonvulsants, chemotherapeutics, and medications such as bisphosphonates that are associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw. Tooth discoloration is also discussed. Damage to oral soft tissues is then reviewed. Color changes to the oral mucosa, including mucosal pigmentation and black hairy tongue, are described. Drug-related gingival enlargement and other mucosal disorders, oral allergic reactions, drug-related white lesions, and conditions of of the salivary glands are examined.