The next time you pop a pill, ask yourself this question: What will this medicine do to my mouth and teeth? Generally speaking, medicines are designed to make you feel better dental curing light. But all drugs, whether taken by mouth or injected, come with a risk of side effects, and hundreds of drugs are known to cause mouth (oral) problems. Medicines used to treat cancer, high blood pressure, severe pain, depression, allergies, and even the common cold, can have a negative impact on your dental health. That's why your dentist, not just your doctor, should always know about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements. Some of the most common mouth-related (oral) side effects of medications are listed below. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) Some drugs can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth, causing an uncomfortably dry mouth (xerostomia). Without enough saliva, the tissues in the mouth can become irritated and inflamed dental handpiece. This increases your risk for infection, tooth decay, and gum disease. More than 400 medications are known to cause dry mouth. Dry mouth is also a side effect of certain chemotherapy medicines. Some medicines that list dry mouth as a side effect include: Antihistamines Antidepressants Antipsychotics Parkinson's disease medications Alzheimer's disease medications Lung inhalers Certain blood pressure and heart medications, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, heart rhythm medications, and diuretics Seizure medications Isotretinoin, used to treat acne Anti-anxiety medications Anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medicines Narcotic pain medications Scopolamine, used to prevent motion sickness Anti-spasm medications Dry mouth can be a bothersome problem. However, many times, the benefits of using a medicine outweigh the risks and discomfort of dry mouth. Drinking plenty of water or chewing sugarless gum may help relieve your symptoms. Fungal Infection Certain inhaler medications used for asthma may lead to a yeast infection in the mouth called oral candidiasis Ultrasonic Scaler. Rinsing your mouth out with water after using an inhaler can help prevent this side effect. Gum Swelling (Gingival Overgrowth) Some medications can cause a buildup of gum tissue, a condition called "gingival overgrowth." Gum tissue becomes so swollen that it begins to grow over the teeth. Gingival overgrowth increases your risk of periodontal disease. Swollen gum tissue creates a favorable environment for bacteria, which can damage surrounding tooth structures.