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Coombe Dental Care, 120 Coombe Road, Salisbury, SP2 8BD

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Oral Health Awareness For Asthmatics

June 07, 2022

Asthma is an increasing global epidemic. Pollution has likely contributed. It’s manageable for most people, but harmful for others.

More than 10% of the UK population has asthma, and probably more who haven’t been identified, therefore it’s worth looking at how it affects oral health.

Coombe End Dental, like any other UK practise, has asthma patients. We feel preventative oral care is crucial, so today’s blog looks at what asthmatic patients need to know to minimise oral health impacts.

 

Gum Disease/Dry mouth

Due to asthma’s breathing difficulties, many people breathe through their mouths. This makes their mouths dry as air flows through. Dry mouth allows harmful germs to grow, which can lead to gum disease. This can be handled with better home care and professional cleaning if discovered early, but if not, it can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.

If you breathe via your mouth, drink adequate water and see our dental hygienist every six months.

 

Enamel Erosion

Asthma sufferers should be advised that the brown or preventative inhaler has an acidic substance that contacts their teeth when sprayed. This is frequently specified in the inhaler’s instructions, which are commonly discarded without being read. Frequent use of this inhaler might cause enamel erosion, sensitive teeth, and tooth rot. The brochure says to rinse your mouth with water after using the spray to remove it from the teeth. Dental veneers can help deteriorated teeth.

 

Soft Tissue Damage

Although rare, asthma inhalers can cause mouth sores. Always tell your dentist if you’re utilising them before your six-month checkups. Soft tissue injuries might cause infections, so tell your doctor.

 

Dentophobia

Anxiety triggers asthma attacks. Some folks get nervous before dentist visits. This is not unusual, but while most individuals can overcome it to receive treatment, high anxiety levels may precipitate an asthma attack in some. If you have asthma and dental anxiety, please let us know. We can discuss your treatment and reduce your concern about your upcoming visit.

 

Children’s Teeth

Many youngsters outgrow asthma as they get older. The ‘brown’ or preventive inhaler can stain children’s teeth. Parents can encourage their children to gargle with water after using their prophylactic inhaler to avoid this impact.

Many of the implications of asthma on our teeth can be limited with preventative care, but you should also see a dentist regularly so we can monitor your teeth and gums for any influence from your medical condition.

See our dental hygienist to maintain your teeth and gums healthy.

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