RISKS FOR ORAL HEALTH WITH THE USE OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS

In this article, attention is focused on ornl pathology, particularly dental caries, caused by hyposalivation as a consequence of (long-term ) use of antidepressants. Changes in clinical psychiatric practice and increasing numbers of presciptions of antidepressants in primary care and specialty care settings have made awareness of this risk even mur e relevant than in the past. Normal physiology of salivary glands and changes in the secretion of saliva during use of antipressants nl e de scribed, Monitoring, prevention, and treatment of hyposalivation induc ed by antidepressants are encouraged as an adjunct in the clinical man agement of depression. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.