Are You Asthmatic? Here’s How That Could Contribute to Gum Disease

It’s estimated that around 235 million people around the world experience asthma, and if you’re one of them, you’re probably acutely aware of the difficulties that condition can cause. Even if you’re used to carrying your inhaler and watching for the signs of asthma attacks, however, there could be some aspects of the condition you aren’t necessarily conscientious of.

For example, asthma can potentially have deleterious effects on your oral health. That may sound surprising, but it’s true; here’s what you should know.

How Can Asthma Affect Oral Health?

According to a recent study in the Journal of Periodontology, people with asthma are around 20% more likely to suffer from gum disease. The connection may not be immediately apparent to you, but there’s actually a very intuitive explanation for why this is the case.

The core issue is dry mouth, something that asthma patients often have trouble with. Saliva is important for both breaking down food and restoring a neutral pH in the mouth, both of which are important to preventing the flourishing of bacteria.

During asthma attacks, people are usually forced to breathe through their mouth, which can inhibit the flow of saliva. Asthma inhalers can also contribute to the issue by suppressing the salivary glands. For both of these reasons, asthma patients often struggle with dry mouth, and are therefore at a higher risk of gum disease.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

For these reasons, asthmatics need to be especially careful about the potential onset of gum disease. First of all, it could be a good idea to stave off dry mouth as much as possible; be sure to stay hydrated and make it a point to breathe through your nose when not in the midst of an asthma attack. It can also be useful to rinse your mouth with water after using your inhaler.

Then there’s more general advice, things that everyone should be doing to mitigate the risk of gum disease. Thorough dental hygiene and regular professional teeth cleanings are critical to your oral health, especially if you’re asthmatic.

About Our Practice

At Vollo Dental Group, we aim to offer our patients an experience with oral healthcare as unique as they are. We’re a husband-and-wife dental team that makes every one of our patients feel like they’re part of our family, ensuring that they get the attention and respect that they deserve. We’ve also designed our office to be comfortable and calming, as well as outfitting it with the latest in dental technology.

If you have any questions about how your asthma could be impacting your oral health, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (585) 225-9114.