Connection of Asthma & Oral Health

All Smiles • Sep 23, 2020


Connection of Asthma & Oral Health. The link between good oral hygiene and the overall health of your body has not always been well-known. Diseases of the mouth or gums can cause health conditions to develop or worsen elsewhere in the body. Through regular professional cleanings and proper home care of your teeth, you can help alleviate some of these concerns.

Although you may have heard of the connection between oral health and whole-body inflammation, many people do not realize there is a connection between asthma and oral health. If you have asthma and have concerns about your dental health condition, you should work closely with your dentist to eliminate some of these concerns. 

How the Symptoms of Asthma Affect Oral Health

Individuals who have asthma often have symptoms that affect the interior of the mouth. Any symptom that affects the mouth can also alter the health of the teeth and gums. One of the oral health problems asthma sufferers frequently experience is dry mouth. Asthma-related dry mouth stems from two different issues. Since asthma restricts airflow at times, patients are more likely to breathe out of the mouth instead of the nose. The condition can also lead to reduced production of saliva or saliva that is of lower quality. Breathing out of the mouth and poor saliva production can cause chronic dry mouth, which has negative oral health implications. 

The Effect of Asthma Treatments on Oral Health

Asthma can affect the quality and quantity of saliva in the mouth just by the nature of the condition, but another real concern is the treatments that need to be used to treat asthma. A prescription inhaler is a common asthma treatment that can snowball dry mouth due to mouth breathing, meaning an increased risk of dried-out oral tissues. Those with asthma often suffer from allergies as well, and sinus congestion increases the chance of developing dry mouth even more. 

How Dry Mouth Affects Oral Health

Saliva is important to oral health because it provides protection in the mouth. Sufficient saliva washes away harmful bacteria levels and reduces the amount of residual food debris left in the mouth after eating. Poor saliva production in the mouth can cause a host of oral health concerns since saliva is essential to keeping bacterial overgrowth at bay. When bacteria is allowed to overgrow, patients begin to experience complications such as gingivitis, tooth decay, and oral thrush. The multiplication of oral bacteria will have implications throughout the body since poor dental health leads to systemic complications over time. 

Other Oral Health Complications Caused by Asthma and Asthma Treatments

Although chronic dry mouth is the most common dental complication related to asthma, the condition and its associated treatments can also lead to other mouth problems. The use of an inhaler is irritating to the mouth and can lead to lesions on the roof of the mouth and throat. These lesions sometimes become infected and need to be treated with antibiotics. Mouth ulcers are not uncommon with inhaler use and can occur in any area of the mouth, although the roof of the mouth is the most likely location. 

Unbalanced pH in the mouth can also lead to candida overgrowth, a condition called oral thrush. These types of yeast infections lead to the appearance of white patches inside the mouth. Those who have asthma are also more likely to experience gastrointestinal reflux disease. With GERD, the mouth experiences exposure to acid that can erode the teeth enamel and cause disease and decay. Some patients dislike the lingering taste of asthma medication and seek out sweet-tasting beverages or gum to mask the taste. This can lead to cavities and tooth decay. 

The Connection Between Dental Anxiety and Asthma

Another important connection between asthma and dental hygiene that should not be overlooked is dental anxiety. Since a dentist’s visit can make people anxious, some patients with asthma may be nervous about having an asthma attack due to anxiety and choose to avoid visiting the dentist altogether. This creates a cycle, since avoiding the dentist can lead to worsening dental hygiene and oral health concerns that necessitate even more intervention and expense.

Patients with asthma who also have dental anxiety should work with the dentist to make a plan for addressing these concerns, so the appointment is as stress-free and relaxing as possible. There are many modern options for assisting patients with dental anxiety. 

How to Reduce the Effects of Asthma on Oral Health

Patients with asthma can still maintain excellent oral health by making an effort to protect the teeth, gums, and mouth tissues from the effects of asthma and asthma treatments. In addition to staying on top of the dentist’s recommended schedule of brushing and flossing, patients with asthma can take extra measures to help prevent future problems. 

  • Be open with the dentist. Make sure the dentist knows you have been diagnosed with asthma and disclose the types of medication you use. If you suffer from dental anxiety, the dentist will work with you to make a plan to ensure your comfort. 
  • Regularly visit the dentist. Patients with asthma need to have regular dental exams and teeth cleaning appointments because many concerns with tooth decay or erosion can be addressed before they become more serious. Ask if you should add extra cleanings and fluoride treatments into your routine. 
  • Clean the mouth after inhaler use. Ideally, if you use your inhaler, you should brush your teeth. If that isn’t possible, you should rinse your mouth with water after use. Using a fluoride mouth rinse provides added protection to the teeth. 
  • Discourage dry mouth. Staying properly hydrated by drinking water throughout the day can keep excess bacteria at bay and discourage overgrowth. Chewing sugar-free gum also encourages saliva production, so chewing it between meals can keep the mouth more hydrated. 
  • Stay on top of allergies. Since many patients with asthma also suffer from allergies, treating allergies can also reduce the need to breathe through the mouth. 

Let All Smiles Dentistry Help Alleviate Your Concerns

Patients with asthma in Lake Jackson can have beautiful, healthy smiles with the help of an experienced and caring dentist. The team at All Smiles Dentistry knows how important it is to have routine dental exams and thorough cleanings to mitigate any issues that may arise from asthma treatment. Suppose you have been avoiding the dentist due to the possibility of experiencing an asthma attack due to dental anxiety. In that case, the team is ready to help alleviate your fears with a solid, and customized treatment plan. If you have any questions about the practice or general oral health concerns, contact All Smiles Dentistry to answer your questions or set up an appointment. Click here to learn more about our dental services

dental resorption : a deep dive into causes , types , and treatment strategies for fractured teeth
By All Smiles Dentistry 15 Mar, 2024
Tooth resorption involves the breakdown of tooth tissues surrounding the teeth, which are then absorbed by the body. There are various treatment options available for dental resorption, with many cases attributed to physical tooth injury. Tooth resorption can occur due to a variety of potential causes.
a woman is getting her teeth examined by a dentist .
By All Smiles Dentistry 29 Feb, 2024
Comprehensive general dentistry and preventive care services. Routine procedures are carried out by general dentists to promote optimal oral health. Services include preventive care, oral evaluations, cosmetic dentistry, as well as regular check-ups and cleanings. Thorough dental examinations and precise diagnoses were provided.
a man with glasses is holding his mouth in pain .
By All Smiles Dentistry 14 Feb, 2024
Discover the comprehensive guide to Root Canal Treatment – uncovering signs, symptoms, and a detailed overview of the treatment process. Dive into the world of dental care, learn about alternative treatment options, and explore the crucial recovery phase after a root canal. Empower yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your oral health. Whether you're facing the prospect of a root canal or seeking to understand dental procedures better, this post provides valuable insights into the often misunderstood realm of root canal treatments.
Show More
Share by: