[Odontostomatological changes induced by drugs. I].

The purpose of the present review is to describe the unwanted effects of drugs or chemicals in the orofacial region. The authors take into consideration the alterations of salivation such as xerostomia and ptyalism, disturbances of sense of taste, halitosis and pain and swelling of the salivary glands. The dental surgeon who suspects that an oral alteration might be a drug reaction can play an important role in preventing the development of more severe toxic effects. All this points to the importance of the knowledge of pharmacology for dental practitioners.