Role of Pharmacists in Oral Health II

Question 1

Mention 10 common oral health challenges that pharmacist may provide help with

Answer 1

1. Toothaches
2. Oral Infections
3. Mouth Ulcers: pharmacists may provide topical treatments or mouth rinses
4. Choice of oral hygiene products: pharmacists may provide guidance on selection of oral hygiene products
5. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): pharmacists can recommend products like saliva substitutes or moisturising mouthwashes.
6. Oral Candidiasis
7. Tooth Sensitivity
8. Dental Emergencies: In cases of dental trauma (e.g., broken tooth), patients may seek temporary relief options from pharmacists until they can see a dentist.
9. Medication Interactions: Pharmacists should be aware of how medications prescribed for systemic health issues can impact oral health (e.g., dry mouth as a side effect of certain medications).

Question 2

Discuss the impact of these oral health challenges.

Answer 2

1. Dental Pain and Discomfort: Untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or oral infections can cause persistent pain and discomfort, affecting the ability to eat, speak, and function normally.
2. Loss of Teeth: Advanced tooth decay or severe gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Missing teeth can affect chewing ability, speech, and may impact self-esteem and social interactions.
3. Systemic Health Issues: Poor oral health has been linked to various systemic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Bacteria from oral infections can enter the bloodstream and contribute to these systemic issues.
4. Gum Disease Progression: Gingivitis, if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. This can result in gum recession, bone loss around the teeth, and eventual tooth loss.
5. Oral Infections: Untreated oral infections such as abscesses can spread to surrounding tissues and potentially into the bloodstream, leading to serious systemic infections.
6. Chronic Halitosis (Bad Breath): Persistent bad breath can be a sign of underlying dental or medical conditions. Untreated oral issues may contribute to chronic halitosis, which may have social implications.
7. Impact on Nutrition: Difficulty chewing due to oral health problems can lead to dietary
   restrictions and nutritional deficiencies, impacting overall health and well-being.
8. Psychological and Social Impact: Dental problems can affect self-esteem and social confidence, especially if they lead to visible changes in appearance (e.g., missing teeth).
9. Financial Burden: Delaying or avoiding dental treatment can lead to more complex and costly treatments in the future. For some patients, financial constraints may prevent timely access to dental care.
10. Quality of Life: Overall, untreated oral health issues can significantly diminish a patient’s
    quality of life, affecting their physical health, emotional well-being, and social interactions

Question 3

Mention 5 oral conditions that can occur as a result od medication side effects.

Answer 3

1. Dry mouth
2. Gingival hyperplasia
3. Oral trush
4. Oral ulcer and mucositis
5. Tooth discolouration

Question 4

Antipsychotics cause increased sugar cravings.

True of False?

Answer 4

True

Question 5

Mention 4 medications that cause dry mouth (xerostomia) and the mechanism.

Answer 5

1. Antidepressants
2. Antipsychotics
3. Antihistamines
4. Decongestants

They cause a reduction in saliva production, leading to dryness and discomfort.

Question 6

What are the consequences of dry mouth and how can it be managed?

Answer 6

Consequences:
- Increased risk of dental caries
- Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, and speaking
- Increased risk of oral infections and gum disease (gingivitis)

Management:
- Recommending saliva substitutes (e.g., oral sprays, gels)
- Moisturizing mouthwashes or gels
- Frequent sips of water and sugar-free candies to stimulate saliva production

Question 7

Mention 3 medications that can cause gingival hyperplasia and the mechanism.

Answer 7

1. CCBs (e.g., nifedipine, amlodipine)
2. Anticonvulsants (e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital)
3. Immunosuppresants (e.g., cyclosporine)

They cause an increase in gum tissue due to altered connective tissue metabolism.

Question 8

What are the consequences of gingival hyperplasia and how can it be managed?

Answer 8

Consequences:
- Difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene, leading to plaque buildup and gum inflammation
- Increased risk of periodontal disease and tooth loss
- Cosmetic concerns and impact on patient’s self-esteem

Management:
- Monitor hygiene practices in patients on medications know to cause GH
- Refer patients to dentists for scaling, root planing or surgery if necessary
- Educate patients on proper brushing and flossing to minimise plaque.

Question 9

Mention 3 medications associated with tooth discolouration and the mechanism.

Answer 9

1. Tetracyclines
2. Antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine)
3. Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)

These medications get incorporated into developing tooth structure or deposited on tooth surface

Question 10

What are the consequences of gingival hyperplasia and how can it be managed?

Question 11

Mention 3 medications that cause oral ulcers and mucositis and their mechanism.

Question 12

What are the consequences of oral ulcers and mucositis. How can they be managed?

Question 13

Discuss the potential oral side effects of asthma medications.

Question 14

Discuss the steps a pharmacist can take to mitigate oral side effects of medications in the elderly.

Question 15

What are the roles of pharmacists in community outreach programs and oral health screening?

Question 16

Mention 5 common oral side effects of medications in elderly patients.

Question 17

What are the recommendations for pharmacists in oral health?