Posted by mattdds on October 5, 2003, at 21:03:59
In reply to Can Klonopin help cause fillings?, posted by Jackster on October 5, 2003, at 19:59:27
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,
Matt
poster:mattdds
thread:265780
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031004/msgs/265790.html