Mood Stabilizers And Dental Implications

Abstract

Abstract: Mood stabilizers are essential drugs in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other conditions; their continuous use is associated with systemic and oral adverse effects, as well as high-risk drug interactions in dental practice. This article aims to understand the effects of mood stabilizers on oral health, as well as the risks of their use in combination with medication, emphasizing guidelines for safe and effective dental care. Through an integrative review conducted via a systematic search in the SciELO, Google Scholar, STATPEARLS, and IBICT databases, using the keywords "mood stabilizers," "lithium," "sodium valproate," "carbamazepine," "dentistry," "oral adverse effects," "drug interactions," "xerostomia," and "gingival hyperplasia," studies published between 2003 and 2024 in Portuguese were included, addressing the dental implications of these medications, with qualitative content analysis. The results highlight oral side effects such as tremors, xerostomia, and gingival hyperplasia, which compromise oral hygiene and health. The interaction between lithium and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is identified as the most dangerous, potentially leading to toxicity. Clinical protocols should prioritize rigorous pre-operative evaluation, cautious use of local anesthetics, and alternative analgesic regimens. It is concluded that dental care for these patients requires specific pharmacological knowledge, detailed systemic assessment, and multidisciplinary integration to ensure safety and efficacy in procedures, promoting improved quality of life.