How Does asthma affect dental treatment? Studies show that prolonged use of asthma medications increases the risk of dental erosion. Both aerosol and powdered forms of asthma medications have a pH less than the critical level of 5.5 for enamel dissolution, and come with side effects, such as gastroesophageal reflux and decreased salivary flow.
Full Answer
How does asthma affect dentistry?
Feb 01, 2020 · Studies show that prolonged use of asthma medications increases the risk of dental erosion. Both aerosol and powdered forms of asthma medications have a pH less than the critical level of 5.5 for enamel dissolution, and come with side effects, such as gastroesophageal reflux and decreased salivary flow.
How do asthma medications affect oral health?
Abstract. A history of asthma is reported commonly by adult dental patients and may be more prevalent in children. An acute episode of asthma in the dental office may be precipitated by extrinsic factors such as inhaled allergens, as well as intrinsic factors such as fear or anxiety. An asthma episode should be considered a medical emergency and must be treated promptly by …
Can asthma inhalers cause dental problems in children?
Aug 26, 2021 · However, both asthma and asthma treatments like inhalers and nebulizers can cause your mouth to dry out. 1-3 Dry mouth can lead to many other oral and dental problems, such as bad breath, tooth decay, and mouth sores. It can also cause dentures and partials to not fit as well as they should. 1-3 Cavities
How can dental teams help children with asthma manage oral medications?
May 22, 2018 · What’s more is that common asthma treatments may also cause dry mouth, which doubles the risk of inadequate saliva production and decay. Keep Your Mouth Healthy Asthma patients are more likely to develop cavities, but following the steps below can help minimize the risk of dental problems. Stay Hydrated.
Can asthma affect a dental appointment?
Asthmatics are also especially at risk for dental anxiety before appointments. It is recommended that patients should breathe regularly and slowly during dental procedures, as a quickening breath decreases oxygen levels and increases feelings of panic.Jan 21, 2013
How Does asthma affect dental health?
People who use asthma medication are at higher risk of having dental caries and other oral health problems. Some asthma medication can reduce saliva and salivary enzymes in the mouth. Reduction in salivary flow causes dry mouth which increases the risk of developing dental caries.
Is there a relationship between asthma and dental caries?
Random-effects models showed a significant association between asthma and caries for both primary and permanent dentition, the odds ratios being 2.73 (95% CI: 1.61, 4.64) and 2.04 (95% CI: 1.44, 2.89), respectively.Jun 22, 2012
How do dentists deal with asthma attacks?
The steps in emergency management of an acute asthmatic episode are:Terminate treatment and remove all dental materials and instruments from the patient's mouth.Sit the patient upright or in a comfortable position with the arms thrown forward over a chair back.
Do inhalers cause dental problems?
Because asthma affects 1 in 12 people in the U.S., it is a condition that needs to be considered if you seek dental treatment. That is because the use of an inhaler can impact tooth and gum care. If you use an inhaler, you increase your chance of developing dental decay and mouth sores.Apr 26, 2021
Should you brush your teeth after using an inhaler?
If you use a preventative inhaler, make sure that you rinse your mouth well, and gargle, after using it. If you give your teeth an extra brushing after using it, make sure that this is done lightly as excessive teeth cleaning can cause enamel erosion which may lead to tooth sensitivity and tooth decay.Oct 6, 2021
What is dental asthma?
A history of asthma is reported commonly by adult dental patients and may be more prevalent in children. An acute episode of asthma in the dental office may be precipitated by extrinsic factors such as inhaled allergens, as well as intrinsic factors such as fear or anxiety.
Is acute asthma a medical emergency?
Acute asthma is a common medical emergency, which, despite repeated review1–6 and the publication of international7 and national8 guidelines, including the Canadian Asthma Consensus Guidelines,9–11 often remains poorly managed.
Is bronchial asthma a medical emergency?
An asthma attack can become an emergency, needing first aid and urgent medical attention. If you take quick action, you can reduce the risk of an asthma emergency. If you or a family member has asthma, be sure to prepare an asthma action plan with the help of your doctor.
Dry mouth
The saliva that keeps your mouth moist helps your body remove food and bacteria from your mouth. It also maintains the pH balance in your mouth. However, both asthma and asthma treatments like inhalers and nebulizers can cause your mouth to dry out. 1-3
Cavities
Unfortunately, dry mouth can also cause cavities. When there is not enough saliva to carry away food and bacteria, it can get stuck in between your teeth and cause decay. Your mouth also becomes more acidic when it is dry. This acidic environment breaks down the enamel of the teeth and can contribute to cavities.
Infections
Inhalers and nebulizers can lead to an increased chance of a yeast infection in your mouth. This infection is known as thrush. Thrush usually causes a white film in the mouth and on the tongue. It often tastes and smells bad. Thrush can cause white ulcers called plaques on the tongue.
Gum disease
Research shows that inhalers and nebulizers can be a factor in gum disease in people with asthma. Doctors have found that both adults and children with asthma have more gum disease than people who do not. 1-3
What can I do to prevent oral health problems?
Staying hydrated is very important. Make sure you drink lots of water to combat dry mouth. You may also want to try mouth rinses that are specially designed to treat dry mouth.
What is asthma action plan?
Asthma’s Effects on Oral Health. An evidence-based asthma action plan will help dental teams support optimal oral health in pediatric patients with asthma. This course was published in the February 2019 issue and expires February 2022. The authors have no commercial conflicts of interest to disclose. This 2 credit hour self-study activity is ...
What is the goal of asthma medication?
The goal of most asthma medications is to directly target the smooth muscle of the respiratory tract with corticosteroids, bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications to avert or negate an intense reaction to allergens. 17 The goal of asthma therapy is to restore and maintain normal pulmonary function. 17
What is the role of dental professionals in asthma?
Oral health professionals are charged with educating parents/caregivers of children with asthma on the potential oral complications of this chronic condition and to collaborate with medical team members. Undoubtedly, dental teams must take precautions to protect patients’ systemic health, but they also need to help children with asthma manage the possible oral consequences resulting from asthma medication and the biological changes associated with this condition.
What is the effect of the lower esophageal sphincter?
20 In health, the lower esophageal sphincter prevents gastroesophageal acid reflux.
Why use a spacer in a steroid inhaler?
Use of a spacer device ensures more effective delivery of dry powder inhalers to the lungs, and prevents the medication from scattering to the mouth, throat and stomach. 21 A spacer may also assist in reducing the risk of steroid-related oral candidiasis. 21.
Does asthma cause caries?
Robust evidence demonstrates a link between asthma and caries, particularly among children and adolescents. 19–21,24,25,31 A systematic review by Agostini et al 31 found that individuals with asthma were nearly 1.5 times more likely to develop caries in both primary and permanent dentitions than those without asthma. An earlier systematic review concluded that asthma doubles the risk of caries. 32 Yet another study found “a positive correlation between duration of [asthma] and the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans. ” 26 Arafa et al 20 noted that along with a heightened risk for caries, bronchial asthma is a risk factor for gingival inflammation.
Does asthma cause dental erosion?
Studies show that prolonged use of asthma medications increases the risk of dental erosion. 20,22,23 Both aerosol and powdered forms of asthma medications have a pH less than the critical level of 5.5 for enamel dissolution, and come with side effects, such as gastroesophageal reflux and decreased salivary flow.
What causes shortness of breath and wheezing?
Asthma is a chronic condition in your lungs that has two main components. These two components consist of constriction (tightening of the muscles surrounding the airways, and inflammation, the swelling and irritation of the airways. Constriction and inflammation cause narrowing of the airways, which may result in symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. If left untreated, over time, asthma can lead to decreased lung function.
Why do my lungs get smaller when I breathe?
The airways also get smaller due to a tightening of the muscles surrounding the airways, and they get “stuffed up” due to a build-up of mucus.
What is the goal of asthma medication?
The goal of most asthma medications is to directly target the smooth muscle of the respiratory tract with corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications to either avert or negate an intense reaction to allergens.17 The goal of asthma therapy is to restore and maintain normal pulmonary function.17
What causes the narrowing and inflammation of the airways and hyperresponsiveness of the bronchial airways to
List the dental treatment recommendations for this patient population. An inflammatory disease of the lower respiratory tract, asthma causes the narrowing and inflammation of the airways and hyperresponsiveness of the bronchial airways to different stimuli.
What is the role of dental professionals in asthma?
Oral health professionals are charged with educating parents/caregivers of children with asthma on the potential oral complications of this chronic condition and to collaborate with medical team members. Undoubtedly, dental professionals must take precautions to protect patients’ systemic health, but they also need to help children with asthma manage the possible oral consequences resulting from asthma medication and the biological changes associated with asthma.
What are the risk factors for asthma?
More than 500 factors can trigger an asthma attack or exacerbate symptoms.5–12 The risk factors for asthma are categorized as either host factors—such as genetics, gender, age, activity status, pregnancy, and obesity—or environmental factors, such as allergens, infections, exposure to tobacco smoke, stress, interrupted sleep, and pollution. 5–13 The genetic predisposition to allergic reactions, or atopy, is the strongest risk factor for the development of asthma. Individuals with atopy overproduce immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and typically present with allergic rhinitis, asthma, or eczema.14
What is the effect of a tranquilizer on the airway?
They work to relax constricted smooth muscles that comprise the airway. This tranquilizing effect occasionally impacts smooth muscles outside of the airway, such as the lower esophageal sphincter.20 In health, the lower esophageal sphincter prevents gastroesophageal acid reflux.
Why use a spacer in a steroid inhaler?
Use of a spacer device ensures more effective delivery of dry powder inhalers to the lungs, and prevents the medication from scattering to the mouth, throat, and stomach. 21 A spacer may also assist in reducing the risk of steroid-related oral candidiasis.21.
Is xerostomia a sign of asthma?
For this reason, xerostomia is well known as a major risk factor for dental caries. However, xerostomia is but one manifestation of asthma medication that impacts enamel soundness.
Effects of Asthma Medications
Dental Caries
- Robust evidence demonstrates a link between asthma and caries, particularly among children and adolescents.19–21,24,25,31 A systematic review by Agostini et al31 found that individuals with asthma were nearly 1.5 times more likely to develop caries in both primary and permanent dentitions than those without asthma. An earlier systematic review conc...
Treatment Considerations
- As part of an asthma action plan, dental teams should create individualized preventive oral health programs according to each child’s risk for oral complications. Table 1 provides an example of an individualized preventive asthma management program.34,41,42,44 This begins with assessment of medicine risks and oral health risk levels. If the patient’s health is stable enough to proceed wi…
Conclusion
- Oral health professionals are charged with educating parents/caregivers of children with asthma on the potential oral complications of this chronic condition and to collaborate with medical team members. Undoubtedly, dental teams must take precautions to protect patients’ systemic health, but they also need to help children with asthma manage the possible oral consequences resultin…
References
- Bhatt J, Vyas H, Forster D. Management of asthma and allergy. In: Mighten J, ed. Children’s Respiratory Nursing. West Sussex, United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons Ltd; 2012:113–115.
- Frew AJ. Pathogenesis of asthma. In: Robert R, ed. Clinical Immunology: Principles and Practice. 3rd ed. St. Louis: Mosby, Elsevier; 1997:597–606.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health Statistics. Availa…
- Bhatt J, Vyas H, Forster D. Management of asthma and allergy. In: Mighten J, ed. Children’s Respiratory Nursing. West Sussex, United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons Ltd; 2012:113–115.
- Frew AJ. Pathogenesis of asthma. In: Robert R, ed. Clinical Immunology: Principles and Practice. 3rd ed. St. Louis: Mosby, Elsevier; 1997:597–606.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health Statistics. Available at: https:/ / www.cdc.gov/ nchs/ fastats/ asthma.htm. Accessed January 9, 2019.
- World Health Organization. Asthma: Key Facts. Available at: https:/ / www.who.int/ news-room/ fact-sheets/ detail/ asthma. Accessed January 9, 2019.
