Oral health is a crucial part of our overall well-being, but it’s often overlooked until something goes wrong. From mild annoyances to serious issues, oral diseases and infections can make eating, speaking, and even smiling a challenge.
These problems can range from bacterial infections and fungal overgrowth to viral outbreaks in the mouth, leading to painful sores, swelling, and bad breath.
WHO observes that while oral diseases are largely preventable, in many countries, they’re still considered a major health burden. An estimated 3.5 billion people across the globe are affected by them, with tooth decay being the most common oral health problem. That’s why keeping up with good oral hygiene and preventive care is so important.
Sublingual medications have become quite popular because they work quickly and are easy to take. But like all medications, they come with their own set of risks. One significant concern is the potential for oral infections.
Today, we’ll explore how sublingual medications can affect your oral health and what you can do to keep your mouth healthy.
Understanding Sublingual Medications
Sublingual medications are those little pills or tablets that you place under your tongue and let dissolve.
This method allows the medication to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream through the tissues in your mouth, skipping the whole digestive system and liver. The area under your tongue is rich in blood vessels, so it’s a quick and efficient way to get the medicine into your body.
One of the big perks of sublingual medications is how fast they work. Since they don’t have to go through your stomach and liver, they can start working almost immediately. This is super helpful for situations where you need quick relief, like with certain heart medications or anxiety treatments.
Another great benefit is that these meds tend to be more effective. Because they skip the digestive system, they aren’t broken down by stomach acid or the liver. This means more medication gets into your bloodstream in its active form, so you might need a smaller dose for the same effect.
However, don’t make the mistake of believing that sublingual medications have all pros and no cons. Healthline highlights how the absorption and effectiveness of these medicines are affected by your eating, drinking, and smoking habits. They don’t work for extended-release formulation drugs, and might also irritate any open sore in your mouth.
Risk Factors for Oral Infections with Sublingual Medications
Alright, let’s talk about what can up the chances of getting an oral infection when you’re using sublingual meds. Remember what we discussed about their working mechanism above? As they dissolve under your tongue, these meds come into direct contact with your mouth tissues.
Now, not all, but some medications might contain ingredients or additives that are too harsh for these delicate tissues and end up damaging them. These damaged tissues become more susceptible to the threat of oral infections.
Your saliva – whose job is to lubricate the mouth and wash away bacteria and debris – also plays a vital role here. It interacts with certain medications and impacts their dissolution process. Such interactions can potentially result in dry mouth, further heightening the risk of bacterial growth and infections.
Last, but not the least, let’s zoom in on Suboxone – a sublingual medication used for opioid dependence. It contains buprenorphine and naloxone – both of which are acidic and can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your mouth. TruLaw also notes that prolonged exposure to Suboxone can also lead to tooth decay.
Extended use of this medication has also been linked to other oral problems, such as cavities, gum, and tongue injuries. Over 500 users of this medication have filed a Suboxone lawsuit for teeth decay in light of the dental problems they’ve faced after using it.
The lawsuits have been registered against manufacturers including Indivior Inc., Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Aquestive Therapeutics Inc.
Preventative Strategies for Sublingual Medication Users
It’s time to talk about how you can keep your mouth in tip-top shape while you’re using those sublingual meds. First up, we’ve got the basics: general oral hygiene practices. You know the drill—brushing and flossing. Even though the meds go under your tongue, you still need to take care of the rest of your mouth.
So, make sure you’re brushing twice a day and flossing regularly to keep those pearly whites clean and healthy. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends using fluoride toothpaste since the fluoride present in it prevents cavity formation. This fluorine compound works towards strengthening the outer hard surface of your teeth, called enamel, thereby protecting them from decay.
Now, let’s get into some specific strategies for sublingual medication users. First things first – proper administration techniques are key. Make sure you’re placing the tablet right under your tongue and letting it dissolve fully.
Don’t swallow or chew it—just let it do its thing. And if you’re unsure about doing it right, don’t be afraid to ask your pharmacist for some pointers.
Also, keep an eye out for any signs of infection. If you notice redness, swelling, or sores under your tongue, or experience pain or discomfort, don’t ignore it. These could be signs of an infection brewing, so it’s important to get checked out by your healthcare provider at the earliest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can antidepressants cause oral problems?
Yes, some antidepressants have the potential to cause oral problems, including a heightened risk of tooth decay and dryness in the mouth. Consuming tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in particular leads to a 58% reduction in parotid gland salivary flow rate.
Which oral infections are most common?
There are eight types of oral infections that are most commonly found in Americans. These include:
- Gingivitis
- Dental Caries
- Herpangina
- Periodontal Disease
- Thrush
- Canker Sores
- Oral Herpes
- Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
How are buccal medicines different from sublingual medicines?
Sublingual medication is administered by placing the drug under your tongue, while buccal medicines are placed between your tongue and cheek. Since both medications are administered orally, it’s easy for most people to confuse between the two.
We cannot stress the importance of one’s oral health enough. Your teeth help you speak, eat, smile, and do wonders for your confidence when they’re healthy and shining.
However, the harsh truth is that some medications can mess with your oral health while helping you get better. Sublingual medications – which are administered orally – are a prime example of it. But as long as you’re aware of their effect on your oral health and take preventative steps, you have no reason to worry about it.
