Use of inhalers and oral health

With Spring fast approaching, so are the feared allergies and the consequent respiratory problems. This article will discuss the use of inhalers to alleviate the effects of asthma and its side effects.

Dry mouth is often associated with asthma. This is because saliva helps to eliminate bacteria from our mouth and neutralize the acidic pH, however if the mouth is dry then the amount of bacteria in the mouth increases leading to cavities, bad breath and gum disease. On the other hand, the use of inhalers can irritate the palate causing ulcers and an increase in the prevalence of candidiasis.

Based on the aforementioned information, people with asthma should inform the dentist that you have asthma and the type of medication you use. Rinse your mouth after using an inhaler, hydrate frequently to avoid having a dry mouth and most importantly maintain a good oral hygiene.