It is estimated that roughly 235 million people around the world have asthma. If you are among them, it is important that you are aware of how your condition may affect your oral health. This blog post delves specifically into the link between asthma in Plymouth and gum disease. It also provides some tips on how you can protect your smile from harm.
Asthma and Gum Disease
A study from Brazil analyzed 21 research papers published between 1979 and 2017. After carefully looking at the data, the researchers found that individuals with asthma are 18.8% more likely to have gum disease than those without the breathing condition.
What is the reason for the link between asthma and gum disease? The primary reason is believed to be xerostomia, which is commonly known as dry mouth. One of saliva’s purposes is to rinse away harmful bacteria in the mouth, thereby protecting the gums and teeth from infection. When there is a lack of saliva, bacteria have a greater opportunity to grow, flourish, and invade the gum tissue.
Asthma can contribute to dry mouth in a couple of ways:
- Some asthma medications have dry mouth as a side effect.
- During asthma attacks, you are more likely to breathe through your mouth in an effort to take in adequate oxygen. Mouth-breathing is strongly associated with xerostomia.
Managing Asthma
Fortunately, asthma sufferers can take steps to protect their gums and enjoy sound oral health. You are probably already doing one of the most important things, which is to avoid asthma triggers to the extent possible. Some triggers, such as certain weather conditions, may be impossible to stay away from. Others, though, such as pet dander or certain pests, are easier to control your exposure to.
Another practical measure you can take is to speak to your doctor about your asthma medication. Some inhalers are sweetened with sugar, which makes them easier to use but at the same time increases the risk of bacteria growth in the mouth. Switching to an unsweetened option would be better for your oral health.
Oral Care Tips for Asthma Sufferers
Here are some additional tips to protect yourself from gum disease:
- Rinse your mouth with water after each inhaler use. It would be even better if you could brush your teeth.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss once a day.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Make sure they know that you have asthma so they can offer personalized guidance on how to manage your oral health.
Individuals with asthma are at an increased risk of dry mouth and gum disease. The good news is that there are simple things you can do to prevent damage to your smile.
Meet the Practice
The skilled, experienced dentists at Aveni Dental Professionals offer preventive, restorative, and cosmetic care to the Plymouth community. They are well familiar with how asthma can affect oral health and are happy to coach patients on what they can do to safeguard their smiles from gum disease. To learn more about how our team may be able to serve you, contact us at 508-217-7454.