Aspirin: shortest way to the dentist

Constant intake of Aspirin pain reliever may result in dental problems. Scientists from dental department of the University of Baltimore, Maryland reported two interesting cases. According to them, those patients that used to chew aspirin pills had terrible problems with their teeth.

The first case involved 52-year-old woman, who seeked medical help in connection with unbearable pain in the temporomandibular area. It was determined that she had not been to a dentist office in 10 years. More so, she had been taking 4-8 aspirin pills a day to cope with headaches. Oftentimes, she would chew the pill instead of swallowing it. Further checkup revealed that all her teeth were in need of tedious long-term care. Dentists however noticed strange nature of the defects. Surface of teeth that came in direct contact with the aspirin were damaged the most.

The second case involved 42-year-old man, who in the course of the past two years had been taking aspirin daily (up to 6 pills). Similar to the first case, instead of swallowing the pill the man chewed them. Dental exam revealed significant damage of enamel and dentine in places that came in touch with the aspirin.

“Aspirin is capable of causing serious damage to hard and soft teeth tissues alike,” stated the group of scientists. Journal of the American Dental Association provides a detailed account of their studies. Dentists must now warn their patients as well as other doctors about the damage aspirin chewing may cause.