Drug profile of adult patients attending five general dental practices in Merseyside: oral side-effects and potential interactions with dentally prescribed medication

To evaluate the drug profile of patients attending general dental practice and to assess the significance of this for the provision of dental care. Prospective study of adult patients attending five general dental practices in Merseyside. Patients were questioned about prescribed medication. The data were analysed to assess any potential oral side-effects, pertinent drug interactions, or potential complications of dental treatment. A total of 1103 patients were recruited; of these, 287 (26%) were taking systemic medication. Approximately a quarter of dental patients attending for routine dental care were taking prescribed medication. The majority of these drugs have significant implications for the general dental practitioner.