[Drugs and dosage forms as risk factors for dental caries]

Abstract

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease which, despite a series of preventive measures, remains the most common infectious disease worldwide. Susceptibility or resistance to caries may be a result of the presence of risk or protective factors, genetic predisposition, inappropriate lifestyle associated with education, behavioural and socioeconomic factors. The aim of this review is to highlight the risks associated with the use of some drugs and dosage forms in relation to the formation and development of dental caries. Drugs are classified by the mechanism of their action in this process, into those that 1. influence the tooth development, especially enamel, 2. directly or indirectly damage the tooth structure and/or 3. disrupt the protective function of saliva, causing oral microflora dysbiosis. The review article assesses the current possibilities in the treatment and prevention of dental caries using drugs, dietary supplements and supporting measures. The conclusion of the study deals with recommendations for prevention of adverse effects of drug therapy in the oral cavity, through preventive measures and/or by considering the duration of the treatment to achieve an optimal balance between benefits and risks. Since the topic of the study is of an interdisciplinary character, information on prevention within the oral health improvement in the population can be used not only by pharmacists, who should primarily warn patients about the risks associated with pharmacotherapy, but also dentists, paediatricians/general practitioners and the public.Key words: dental caries prevention drug dosage form adverse effect.