Oral Side Effects of Systemic Medications

Abstract

This chapter provide an overview of recognised oral side effects of medications with a focus on systemic medications. A wide range of oral side effects are discussed, including gingival hyperplasia, lichenoid reactions, allergic and hypersensitivity reactions, angioedema, opportunities oral infections, tooth discolouration, oral melanin pigmentation, taste disturbances, discolouration of saliva, salivary gland swelling and ptyalism. The most common drugs associated with each of the aforementioned oral side effects are listed. In addition, drugs which may lead to an increased risk of bleeding (Chapter 15) and medication-related osteonecrosis of jaws following oral surgical interventions (Chapter 16) are identified. The readers are signposted to useful online resources on drugs along resources which may be used for patient education.