Can My Asthma Affect My Oral Health?

If you have asthma, then it may be something you always keep in mind. You do your best to be aware of any triggers, and you’re prepared to deal with them in case they arise. Not only that, but you should know how this condition can affect your oral health if you aren’t careful. To help make sure your smile stays in great shape, here is all you need to know to protect your teeth and gums.

What Can Asthma Do to My Oral Health?

As you might already know, asthma can affect your breathing, and you may be more likely to do it through your mouth, especially if it’s flaring up. While this may seem like an innocent way to catch your breath, it can have an impact on your oral health. This can lead to dry mouth, where you aren’t able to produce enough saliva.

You will have a harder time washing away harmful bacteria, so they will linger on your grin. They will have a greater chance of attacking your teeth and gums, so you’ll be more likely to develop a cavity, gum disease, or another oral health issue. Bad breath is often another symptom that people experience.

The Impact of Asthma Medication

You may take asthma medication, like an inhaler, to help you manage your symptoms for this condition and prevent any attacks. However, these can also impact your smile in a couple of ways.

About 80% of the inhaled dose doesn’t reach your lungs; it mainly sticks around your mouth on your soft palate, tongue base, tonsils, and the back of your throat. Like above, they can lead to dry mouth but also make any other dental problems you have worse.

However, not all asthma medications can cause this. You shouldn’t stop taking them for this reason, but rather talk to your dentist and physician for more personalized advice on whether adjustments can be made.

How Can I Protect My Smile?

Since this condition can impact your smile, it’s important that you do your best to avoid any problems. Thankfully, there are some easy tips you can make into habits:

• Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and support your saliva production, especially after using your inhaler.
• Brush and floss twice daily to remove any plaque and bacteria that can cause trouble in the first place.
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate the production of saliva.
• Have consistent visits with your dentist; that way, they will be able to make sure your asthma doesn’t get in the way of the strong smile you deserve.

About the Practice

At All Smiles Leesburg, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are dedicated to helping the local community get the problem-free teeth and gums they deserve with preventive care. By having regular checkups and cleanings, you can avoid a wide range of problems that threaten your grin. If you have asthma and want to make sure your smile is in great shape, schedule an appointment or call our office at (703) 782-5171.