MEDICATIONS USED IN DENTISTRY

There is a wide variety of medications used in dentistry which will have the purpose of
relieving pain, inflammation and fighting infections. Among the most common medications
is chlorhexidine, which is an antiseptic that is used to disinfect and eliminate bacteria in the
cavity oral since it is indicated to prevent infections. Its side effects are pigmentation in the
teeth and gums, as well as it can alter the sense of taste, but something good about this is
that these side effects are reversible. This medication is contraindicated during pregnancy
and lactation, and its misuse has consequences such as bad breath, damage to tooth
enamel, or worsening oral problems.

Another medication used in dentistry is ibuprofen, which is an anti-inflammatory analgesic

used to treat mild to moderate inflammation and pain in the teeth. Some of its side effects
are constipation, gas, dizziness, nervousness and ringing in the ears. This medication also
warns that it is contraindicated for people hypersensitive to ibuprofen, with asthma, or
hives, as well as warning that its constant use can cause a greater risk of suffering a heart
attack or stroke.

There is also penicillin, which is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by Gram
positive bacteria. Among the side effects that it can cause are itching, chills, fever,
headache, tachycardia and spasms. Thus, this antibiotic should be used with caution in
patients with allergies to penicillins or asthma, since prolonged use of this antibiotic can
affect multiple body systems and put life at risk.

On the other hand, there is pilocarpine, which is a medication used to increase the amount
of saliva in the mouth. The side effects that may occur are sweating, nausea, runny nose,
diarrhea, dizziness, headache, heartburn and chills. Pilocarpine is contraindicated in
patients with cardiorenal disease, cognitive or psychiatric disorders, and in the long term it
can cause visual disturbances, excessive sweating and dehydration.

And finally there is clindamycin, this is an antibiotic that is used for odontogenic infections
and is recommended for patients with hypersensitivity to penicillin. Its side effects are
nausea, vomiting, unpleasant taste in the mouth, heartburn and pain when eating. This
medication should be used with caution in patients with gastrointestinal diseases such as
diarrhea, ulcerative colitis or antibiotic-associated colitis, as well as warning that its
constant use can cause the growth of bacteria in the large intestine.