The Effect of Drugs in the Oral Cavity - A Review

It is estimated that more than 2-4% of hospital admissions are related to drug induced reactions. There is an ever expanding list of medications linked to pathologic reactions in the oral and perioral region. Several patterns of diseases have been identified, and these can assist the clinician in determining a possible cause and effect relationship with a particular or a group of drugs. The mechanism of drug induced reaction is not always known or not always predictable since aspects other than pharmacodynamics and/or pharmacokinetics, as well as various interacting variables contribute to the final outcome. Drug induced oral reactions clinically present as Xerostomia, Swelling, Dysguesia, Nonspecific Ulceration, Vesiculobullous or ulcerative mucositis, pigmentation of mucosa, Gingival enlargement, oral malodor, taste alterations, discoloration of teeth. This review gives an update of the various drug induced oral reactions, so that Dentists and oral health professionals increase their knowledge for a better diagnosis and therapy.