People with asthma are almost a fifth more likely to show gum disease, reveals a recent study in the journal periodontology. Around 235 million people around the world have asthma - resulting in symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing and chest tightness. This condition can also cause dry mouth, which may lead to plaque build-up and gum disease. If you have asthma, it is important to take steps to take care of it. your dental health  and maintain the plaque and gum disease.  

It is particularly important to be alert for signs of household pests, as they can often get in without the owners realising. In particular, cockroaches, rodents and insects can exacerbate asthma symptoms , so it is important to check your home regularly for signs of activity and treat infestations if necessary.  

The problem of dry mouth

If you have asthma, you probably sometimes experience dry mouth, a condition in which the mouth does not produce enough saliva. Η dry mouth often occurs in people with asthma as the restricted airflow forces them to breathe through the mouth. Asthma inhalers further contribute to this condition by suppressing the salivary glands and limiting saliva production. Saliva is essential for the removal of bad bacteria from the body. bacteria. In contrast, the dry mouth creates ideal conditions to mask harmful bacteria and create plaques - leading to to bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. 

Prevention of gum disease

Fortunately, there are many ways in which you can protect the your oral health and maintain gum health despite asthma. Rinse always your mouth with water after using the inhaler. You may even consider brushing your teeth after using it, which can be even more effective. It is important to use an inhaler that is easy on the teeth and mouth, as some make you more prone to cavities than others. Your current inhaler can even be sweetened with sugar to make it more palatable. Ask your doctor if there is an alternative suitable inhaler that can help you protect your oral health. You can also inform the dentist about your asthma and ask them for advice on the best ways to manage your asthma. your oral health and hygiene. For example, drinking water regularly throughout the day is an effective way to prevent dry mouth.

Ultimately, the best way to take care the health of your teeth is to monitor the hygiene of your teeth with regular brushing and flossing. While the disease of the gums can be treated, prevention is undoubtedly the best approach.