BP Drug side effects and gum disease

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Mike - 26 Oct 2006 17:29 GMT

I have been on blood pressure medication for a couple years. About 18 months ago
one of them was changed for some other as I was experiencing leg cramps.

Anyway, only a year ago I had to have a tooth out because of decay below the gum
line. I now have been told that I have to have 3 other teeth out because of
tooth decay below the gum line. (seen on x ray).

Checking on the web I've found that one of the side effects of one of the tabs
could be "gum disease". What I would like to ask is whether what is happening to
my teeth could be regarded as gum disease?
Thank you.

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Mark & Steven Bornfeld - 26 Oct 2006 17:38 GMT

> I have been on blood pressure medication for a couple years. About 18 months ago
> one of them was changed for some other as I was experiencing leg cramps.
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> my teeth could be regarded as gum disease?
> Thank you.

What meds are you on specifically?
I know the calcium channel blockers such as Cardizem are known
frequently to cause gingival overgrowth and inflammation. I am not
aware that they would cause changes in salivation (which could increase
caries).

Steve

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Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS
http://www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY
718-258-5001

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Mike - 26 Oct 2006 23:27 GMT

>> I have been on blood pressure medication for a couple years. About 18 months ago
>> one of them was changed for some other as I was experiencing leg cramps.
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
>Steve

Hi Steve,
My medication is:-

- Aprovel (Irbesartan) tabs
- Motens (Lacidipine) tabs

And for Cholesterol control
- Atorvastatin

I believe the Lacidipine is a calcium channel blocker.
It may well be that my age is showing (57), with 4 such teeth like this in 2
years. Although I did miss several checkup as my long-term dentist retired and I
should have made more effort to register with a new one sooner.

Sorry but I don't know what Caries is/are/means!

Thanks for the information.

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Newbie - 26 Oct 2006 23:53 GMT

>>> I have been on blood pressure medication for a couple years. About 18 months ago
>>> one of them was changed for some other as I was experiencing leg cramps.
[quoted text clipped - 33 lines]
>
>Thanks for the information.

Caries is the scientific term for tooth decay.

A dry mouth due to meds can certainly contribute to decay.
These type tend to be at the gumline.

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