Asthma and your dental health
Asthma inhalers have saved countless lives and made life more enjoyable for every person who suffers from asthma. But, did you know, as great as they are, inhalers can have a negative effect on the oral health of users?
In this blog post, we will explore how asthma inhalers can affect your dental health and what you can do to mitigate these effects.
How Inhalers Affect Your Oral Health
Asthma inhalers are designed to deliver medication directly to the lungs. But, some of the medication can get caught in your mouth on the way through.
This can lead to a variety of oral health issues, including:
Dry Mouth – Saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth and gums, so a lack of it can increase your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. If you use an inhaler and notice that your mouth is dry, talk to your dentist about ways to combat this issue.
Thrush – Inhalers can increase your risk of thrush by altering the balance of bacteria in your mouth. Symptoms of thrush include white or yellow patches on the tongue and inner cheeks, a sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your dentist or doctor right away.
Tooth Decay – The medication in the inhaler can stick to your teeth and gums, creating an environment that is conducive to bacterial growth. Over time, this can lead to cavities and other dental problems. To prevent tooth decay, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups.
What You Can Do About It
If you have asthma and use an inhaler, there are several things you can do to mitigate the effects on your oral health:
Rinse Your Mouth – After using your inhaler, rinse your mouth with water to remove any medication residue. This helps prevent dry mouth, thrush, and tooth decay.
Use a Spacer – A spacer is a plastic tube that attaches to your inhaler and helps deliver the medication directly to your lungs. This reduces the amount of medication that ends up in your mouth.
See Your Dentist Regularly – Your dentist can monitor your oral health and provide you with advice on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Maintaining your lung and oral health
If you use an asthma inhaler regularly, make sure your dentist knows. This gives them important information they need to better understand your needs. Knowing this, they can also help you mitigate the oral health risks that come with inhalers.