Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
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Medication

Prednisone

Systemic corticosteroid

Brand names: Deltasone

Oral health effects

  • Candidiasis, delayed healing & immunosuppression

    Systemic steroids predispose to oral candidiasis, mask infection, and impair healing.

    Clinical management: Monitor for thrush; reinforce hygiene; consider adrenal-suppression/steroid-cover questions for major surgery (consult physician).

  • Steroid-induced bone loss (glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis)

    Prolonged systemic prednisone use can cause osteoporosis and fractures; the label advises considering osteoporosis prevention/treatment for at-risk patients.

    Clinical management: For patients on long-term steroids, ask whether bone-protective therapy (bisphosphonate or denosumab) has been added, since this introduces MRONJ considerations before extractions or implant surgery; consider bone loss when interpreting alveolar bone changes.

Sources

  1. Adverse drug events in the oral cavity. Yuan A, Woo SB. Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology, 2015.
  2. Prednisone prescribing information (FDA label) PharmPak, Inc. / DailyMed, 2022.