INDIANA – While Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications are crucial for managing symptoms in many children, a leading dental expert is sounding the alarm about significant and often overlooked side effects on oral health. With 11.4% of children diagnosed with ADHD, and over 80% in some states (like Nebraska) receiving medication, dental professionals are urging parents to be proactive in protecting their children’s teeth. In Indiana, 64.4% of children with ADHD are prescribed medication.
Dr. Elizabeth Walton, a dental expert at Risas Dental and Braces, highlights the primary concern: dry mouth, a common side effect of many medications, including those for ADHD like Adderall and Ritalin.
“Just like a lot of medications, ADHD medications can cause dry mouth, and that’s something parents really need to be aware of,” says Dr. Walton. She emphasizes the vital role of saliva in oral health. “Saliva is incredibly important when it comes to protecting your teeth. It helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids. And it also helps create a protective coating on your teeth called the pellicle, this acts like a natural barrier against acid and sugar attacks.”
The reduced saliva flow due to medication leaves teeth significantly more vulnerable to decay, making it easier for cavities to form even with regular brushing. Dr. Walton also notes that ADHD medications can increase teeth grinding (bruxism), which can be particularly damaging in young children and, in severe cases, may even lead to tooth extraction…