Association Between Systemic Therapies for Acne and Oral Health: A Literature Review
Hasmik A. Manukyan1 *, Hayk M. Sargsyan1, Hasmik R. Kostandyan2,
Rshtun K. Babayan3, Lusine K. Muradyan1
1Avdalbekyan National Institute of Health,
Ministry of Health, Yerevan, Armenia
2“My City Dentist” Dental and Cosmetic Center,
Yerevan, Armenia
3Center of Medical Genetics and Primary Health Care, Yerevan, Armenia
ABSTRACT
Background: Systemic medications for acne treatment possess greater efficacy than topical preparations, therefore they are prescribed for patients with severe or extensive inflammatory acne. Systemic therapies include retinoids, oral antibiotics and hormonal therapy. Although each of these treatment modalities offers various benefits in managing severe acne, it is important to be aware of their potential side effects, including the ones affecting oral health. Despite extensive research on acne treatments and oral health independently, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding their combined effects.
Aim: To explore and discuss the possible pharmacological associations between systemic acne therapies and oral health.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, EBSCO, and the Cochrane Library databases to identify studies published after 1982 investigating the possible link between systemic acne therapies and their oral manifestations.
Results: The awareness of probable oral manifestations such as xerostomia, gingivitis, periodontitis, alveolar bone loss, candidiasis, increased risk of caries, and other reported alterations is of great importance. Thus, a multidisciplinary approach is needed for acne patients’ management. Dermatologists can inform patients requiring long-term systemic therapy about potential oral signs and symptoms that may occur when taking new medications and the importance of careful monitoring and regular dental checkups to identify, assess and manage potential dental and periodontal issues to ensure a balance between therapeutic benefits and possible adverse effects. Furthermore, dental practitioners should take a thorough medical history and be aware of medication-related oral changes and their potential effects on diagnosis and treatment planning.
Conclusion: Collaboration between dermatologists and dental specialists is essential to identify, monitor and adequately treat oral complications associated with systemic therapies for acne.
Keywords: acne treatment, acne medication, systemic acne therapy, oral health