Posted by Jackster on October 6, 2003, at 4:25:05
In reply to Re: Can Klonopin help cause fillings? » Jackster, posted by mattdds on October 5, 2003, at 21:03:59
> Hello,
>
> I'm a fourth year dental student. From what I've been taught, dry mouth can greatly contribute to caries (cavities).
>
> Klonopin is not associated with dry mouth. Much to the contrary, it is associated with increased salivary flow.
>
> The etiology of dental decay is *very* well elucidated, and I cannot think of any possible way that Klonopin would have caused or even contributed to this.
>
> On the other hand, it is *extremely* common to get caries while on drugs like imipramine or any other "xerostomic" (mouth-drying) drugs.
>
> Scrutinous oral hygiene *must* be followed while taking tricyclics to prevent dental caries. I would place more emphasis on complete plaque removal (brushing 2x and flossing 1x daily). The products like Biotene are merely adjuncts. Biotene may help, but is no substitute for good oral hygiene.
>
> I would also personally inquire about topical fluoride supplementation (Prevident 5000, for example). A while back, I had a small cavity (during dental school), that I was able to completely remineralize (confirmed with an X-ray taken by my friend) with very thorough brushing and flossing and ACT fluoride rinse. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to remineralize decay without having to drill it out (assuming they are very small, and confined to enamel). This represents the new thinking in dentistry.
>
> Best,
>
> MattHi Matt
Thanks for your information. I did a search on side effects of klonopin and I came up with this:
Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, coated tongue, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, encopresis, gastritis, increased appetite, nausea, sore gums.
So it might be possible that it is causing the fillings?
Anyway - I'd just like to check with you a couple of products my dentist sold me to help - one is a high fluoride toothpaste - which has 1.1% neutral sodium fluoride;
and the other is a 'tooth mousse' to put on after cleaning and flossing for weak teeth. It has bio-available calcium and phosphate in it - and is a derivative of milk casein.
Do these sound like they may help my situation? And any advice for a dry mouth? Does chewing sugar free gum help?
Sorry for all the questions - an advice gratefully received. (Will be seeing my dentist next week for the last 4 fillings).
Thanks
Jackie
poster:Jackster
thread:265780
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031004/msgs/265880.html