Nifedipine and Dental Health: 4 Side Effects & Helpful Tips

Nifedipine and Dental Health

Treatment to control high blood pressure (hypertension) typically includes a prescription for nifedipine, a medication that relaxes the blood vessels and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood, avoiding complex health consequences.

While nifedipine helps control blood pressure, during treatment, it generates oral side effects (secondary) that must be addressed in a timely manner.

What is the connection of nifedipine and dental health? What effects does this medication have on oral health? How can this impact of treatment for hypertension be mitigated?

Hypertension treatment, of course, must not be suspended; but when this condition is not controlled, dry mouth occurs and the probability of cavities increases due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque. Serious deterioration of oral health ensues along with a decline in overall well-being.

The recommended route is appropriate professional attention to ensure comprehensive health.

What is Nifedipine?

Nifedipine belongs to a group of medications known as calcium channel blockers.It is prescribed to control high blood pressure (hypertension), angina, premature labor, and Raynaud’s syndrome (cold, numb feeling in parts of the body).

Nifedipine relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. Less effort on the part of the heart prevents cardiac problems, strokes, damage to the blood vessels or kidneys, among other conditions.

What Effects does Nifedipine have on Dental Health?

Gingival enlargement and dry mouth (hyposalivation) are recurring symptoms in people receiving treatment for blood pressure control with the calcium channel blocker drug, nifedipine.

Given the circumstances, certain techniques or practices can reduce the impact of the drug’s side effects.

Taking nifedipine, in combination with other factors, entails a greater predisposition to gingival enlargement. These predisposing factors are:

• Accumulation of bacterial plaque (also caused by the absence of saliva).

• Drug dosage.

• Age of the person taking the medication.

• Poor oral hygiene

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Why does Gingival Hyperplasia Occur?

It is a consequence of cell growth that facilitates the creation of pockets where bacteria are harbored and cannot be reached with regular brushing or flossing. This, in turn, has an effect on oral hygiene practices and favors the appearance of cavities, oral infections, or periodontal disease.

Gingival hyperplasia causes pain when chewing, inconvenience when speaking, bleeding gums, bite problems, and alterations in the aesthetic appearance of the teeth and smile.

The teeth appear smaller, and although the hyperplasia affects the entire mouth, the lesion occurs more prominently in the front teeth and the upper jaw.

Gingival hyperplasia usually disappears when a change in dosage or nifedipine treatment is discontinued. In some cases, surgical intervention is necessary.

How can the Effects of Nifedipine on Dental Health be Reduced?

This health condition can be prevented and its impact reduced with good oral hygiene in combination with proper medication dosage.

It is important to consult with the treating physician regarding the perceived effects,making it easier to modify the treatment protocol with nifedipine or change to another drug that yields the same therapeutic results.

Another prevention alternative is periodontal treatment. In some cases, anti-inflammatory drugs are also prescribed.

A relevant prevention practice is to encourage increased humidity in the mouth. The constant consumption of water and the intake of some foods can help in this regard.

Foods that help increase saliva are hard cheeses (Gouda / Parmesan); fruits like lemon, lime, blueberries, papaya, and pineapple; and spices like cayenne pepper, ginger, cardamom, and fennel. The consumption of butter and milkshakes is also recommended.

To facilitate the production of saliva, it is recommended to avoid the consumption of alcohol, energy drinks, and coffee.

If a taste disturbance occurs, the doctor guiding the treatment should be consulted to assess the situation and make the required adjustments.

It is Better to Act in Time

If you are being treated for blood pressure (hypertension) with nifedipine— or for other pathologies for which this drug is prescribed— it is important to pay attention to changes in your oral health, such as the sensation of a dry mouth or an alteration in the appearance of the gums or teeth.

Consulting the dentist regularly will allow the practitioner to detect symptoms and be proactive with the appropriate therapeutic option.

Acting in time will reduce the effects of the treatment for hypertension on oral health, improving quality of life.