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Risks for oral health with the use of antidepressants
F P Peeters1, M W deVries, A Vissink
1Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Community Mental Health Centre (RIAGG), Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
In this article, attention is focused on oral pathology, particularly dental caries, caused by hyposalivation as a consequence of (long-term) use of antidepressants. Changes in clinical psychiatric practice and increasing numbers of prescriptions of antidepressants in primary care and specialty care settings have made awareness of this risk even more relevant than in the past. Normal physiology of salivary glands and changes in the secretion of saliva during use of antidepressants are described. Monitoring, prevention, and treatment of hyposalivation induced by antidepressants are encouraged as an adjunct in the clinical management of depression.
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Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.