What is the connection between bad oral health and asthma?
The relationship between good oral hygiene and overall physical health has not always been well understood. Diseases of the mouth or gums can cause health problems to develop or worsen in other parts of the body. With regular professional teeth cleanings and proper home dental care, you can alleviate some of these concerns such as asthma.
Asthma Symptoms and Poor Oral Health
People with asthma often have Symptoms affecting the inside of the mouth. Any symptom that affects the oral cavity can also affect the health of your teeth and gums. One of the most common oral health problems in asthmatics is dry mouth. Dry mouth associated with asthma has two distinct causes. Because asthma sometimes restricts airflow, patients tend to breathe through their mouth rather than their nose. The condition can also cau se decreased saliva production or lower quality saliva. Mouth breathing and poor saliva production can cause chronic dry mouth, which has negative consequences for oral health.
Dry mouth and asthma
Saliva is important for oral health as it protects the mouth. Enough saliva kills harmful bacteria and reduces the amount of food left in your mouth after you eat. Poor saliva production in the mouth can cause many oral health problems as saliva is essential to stop bacterial growth. If the bacteria are allowed to multiply, patients develop complications such as gingivitis, tooth decay, and thrush.
The overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth affects the whole body as poor dental health leads to systemic complications over time.
Oral health complications from asthma
Using an inhaler is irritating to the mouth and can cause changes in the palate and throat. The lesions sometimes become infected and require antibiotic treatment. Canker sores are not uncommon when using an inhaler and can occur anywhere in the mouth, although the roof of the mouth is the most likely site.
Oral pH imbalance can also lead to candidiasis overgrowth, a condition called Candidiasis Thrush . These types of fungal infections result in white patches in the mouth. People with asthma are also more likely to develop gastroesophageal reflux disease.
GERD exposes the mouth to acid, which can eat away at tooth enamel and cause disease and tooth decay. Some patients dislike the lingering taste of asthma medication and seek out sweet-tasting drinks or chewing gum to mask the taste. This can lead to cavities and voids.
Ways to reduce the oral health effects of asthma
The steps which can help you to maintain oral health if you suffer from asthma are-
1)Let you dentist know that you are been diagnosed with asthma and its medications
2)Wash your mouth everytime after each use of inhaler
3)Be aware of your allergens and avoid allergens
4)Be in regular dental check up
Asthmatics who also have a fear of the dentist should work with the dentist to develop a plan to address these concerns and make the visit as relaxing and stress-free as possible. Many modern ways are coming up to tackle dental anxiety.
