FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nova Scotia Dental Association releases the 2021 Oral Health Report, connecting the dots between medication and oral health.

Halifax, NS April 8, 2021 –The Nova Scotia Dental Association highlights the connection between medication and oral health in its 2021 Nova Scotia Oral Health Report, released today, Thursday, April 8, 2021.

“Medication can certainly impact your oral health,” says Dr. Chad Avery, President of the Nova Scotia Dental Association and practising general dentist. “It’s important for people to recognize that their medication could be affecting their oral health and to treat their dentist as a valuable partner in helping them maintain their oral health while taking the medication they need.”

Good oral health is an essential part of overall health, and the effects medication can have—whether it be prescriptions, over-the-counter, or herbal supplements/vitamins—can take a toll on oral health. For instance, 52 per cent of Nova Scotians surveyed reported that they are not at all aware of the sugar content of medications that either they or a member of their family are taking. Some medications contain high levels of sugar which can contribute to tooth decay. Medications can also affect your oral health with side effects such as dry mouth.

While Nova Scotians might not always make the connection between their oral health and the medications they take, it’s important to bring awareness and understanding to Nova Scotians so they recognize the signs and know when to speak with their dentist.

The provincial oral health report is an annual document produced by the NSDA to bring attention to an aspect of oral health affecting Nova Scotians. The 2021 report, Medications and Oral Health, provides information for those who may be experiencing oral health problems related to their medication.

To learn more, read the 2021 Nova Scotia Oral Health Report: Medications and Oral Health. Please visit: https://nsdental.org.

About the Nova Scotia Dental Association
The Nova Scotia Dental Association (NSDA) is a member-based organization serving the needs of more than 500 dentist members across the province. As a not-for-profit organization, the NSDA has been the voice for dentistry in Nova Scotia since 1891. Our mission is dentists helping dentists.

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Media Contact:
Gill Costello
Communications Manager
Nova Scotia Dental Association
902-420-0088 ext. 2
communications.nsda@bellaliant.com