Asthma is a condition with implications for many bodily systems, including dental health. Patients at Salem’s Healthy Smiles Family Dental know that we cooperate with their other care providers to ensure that all their unique needs are being met. If they suffer from asthma, they may need to make some additional lifestyle and hygiene changes to protect themselves from tooth decay.
Saliva plays an important role in combatting bacteria that create cavities. It washes away food particles, depriving bacteria of nutrients, and neutralizes the acid produced by their metabolizing process. But people with asthma commonly suffer from dry mouth (also called xerostomia). They may breathe through their mouths because their upper airways are inflamed, or xerostomia may be a side effect of their medication, but they’ll need to drink more liquids, use humidifiers to maintain a less dry environment, and possibly use throat moisturizers.
Patients should consult with their asthma specialist before making any changes to their medications, but they should also be aware that their medicine may contain sugar that will need to be brushed before bedtime. Some asthma patients are also prescribed muscle relaxants to prevent throat constrictions. This could also make it easier for stomach acid to enter their oral cavity and erode their enamel, so they should take care to avoid eating large meals and consuming alcohol, chocolate, or citrus juice before lying down.
Drs. Na Xu and Mark Thomas operate Healthy Smiles Family Dental at 2601 25th St SE #400, Salem, Oregon, 97302. Visit My Family Dentist Salem or call 503-385-1185.
I have really bad asthma and asthma is the worst thing you guys don't want to have to deal I have asthma
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