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Dental Blog Dr. Seo is offering this educational blog to help our patients and the community. Our Hope at PDX Center for Dentistry is that this blog will cover topics that you may be interested in.
Damage of Long-Term Asthma Medication on the Teeth
Posted on 8/24/2020 by Sundberg Office
There are roughly 20 million asthmatic patients in America, and they're often placed on inhalers, syrups, and other medications that degrade the teeth and gums. Findings from several researches show that certain asthma medications that are coated with steroids and sweeteners make the teeth more vulnerable to problems such as caries, teeth sensitivity, decay, and discoloration. We usually offer special oral care recommendations for asthmatic patients because of the drugs they take frequently. We usually recommend that they always rinse their mouths thoroughly right after taking their medication and to maintain good oral care habits. How Asthma Drugs Can Damage your Teeth The higher levels of acidity of asthma drugs make them harmful to the teeth. They can empower bacteria associated with various dental problems which thrive in highly acidic environments, while simultaneously eroding the enamel, the outer covering that protects the more sensitive parts of the teeth. Besides being highly acidic, most inhalers also cause dry mouth because of the dry, powdery formula they release into the lungs to dilate constricted bronchial tubes. The inhaled powder can cause a chronic shortfall of saliva in the mouth. Dry mouth can give rise to a wide range of dental problems as the mouth runs short of saliva needed for various purposes from the washing away of food debris and bacterial buildup to neutralizing acidity levels in the mouth, and breaking down and swallowing food. Oral Health Tips for Asthmatic Patients Always ask your physicians for better asthmatic drugs that are less harmful to your dentition and choose inhalants that are less acidic when stocking up on them. It's also advisable to rinse your mouth thoroughly or brush after using inhalers or other medications. But you need to always wait for at least an hour before you brush to allow for your enamel to re-solidify after getting softened by the high levels of acidity of the medications. We also recommend using toothpaste products with high fluoride content, which can help reinforce the enamel against the weakening forces of highly-acidic asthmatic drugs. Want to care more for your oral health as an asthmatic patient? We're always eager to help you achieve optimal oral health, regardless of your previous or current medical conditions. Call us today.... Read more...
