The relationship between asthma medications and periodontal disease - Essay Example

Herein, the reasons asthmatic patients are more prone to gum disease will be discussed. As well, what asthmatics can do to help prevent tooth and gum decay will be a source of study. Periodontitis is a "condition characterized by inflammation of the periodontal tissues, leading to tissue destruction, bone resorption, attachment loss, and, in some cases, tooth loss" (Saver, Hujoel, Cunha-Cruz, and Maupome, 2007). Asthma, on the other hand, is a "common [breathing] disorder, especially in the industrialized part of the world" (Sulssa and Ernst, 2001).

When asthma episodes, or "attacks" occur, many patients rely on the use of handheld inhalers, which deliver a corticosteroid medication from the mouth, into the airway. The inhalation of the corticosteroid causes a dilatation, allowing for more air to pass into the lungs. It would seem, then, that gum disease and asthma are unrelated, but the life-saving corticosteroid could, in fact, have a negative impact on oral health. Nebraska dentist Dan Peterson devotes a website to, in part, the link between asthma medication and periodontitis.

In his section "Oral Health Changes in Individual with Asthma," it is written that asthmatic patients have an "increased rate of caries." Many things cause dental caries, or cavities, but asthma inhalers usually contain sugar, which is a culprit in tooth decay. The website also lists the problems of "reduced salivary flow due to inhaler use and increased prevalence of oral tissue changes" as other reasons that asthmatic face mouth trouble. Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, can be caused by inhaler use.

It is problematic because it causes "tooth decay and gum disease and makes you more vulnerable to inflammation" (Schaaf and Higbee, 1993). An article in Harvard Women's Health Watch adds, "Persistent xerostomia is a serious and often uncomfortable condition that can jeopardize oral health. It makes eating and swallowing difficult, causes bad breath, and may irritate mouth tissues, leaving them more vulnerable to infection". The article goes on to explain that inhalers can cause a reduction in saliva.

The moisture of saliva is absolutely necessary. Its decrease, which can also be caused by painkillers, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, etc., is cause for concern. Advice is offered to combat dry mouth. The article offers that over-the-counter products that increase saliva production are one way to go. It also suggests trying to drink lots of water, limiting sugar intake, and chewing sugar-free gum. Avoiding dehydrating habits like drinking alcohol, smoking, or consuming caffeine might also help when the use of inhalers make xerostomia a problem.

Inhalers aren't perfect, but they are necessary. "Sustained use of inhaled corticosteroids reduces the risk of severe exacerbations requiring hospitalization as well as death from asthma and therefore provides a simple and effective tool by which to eliminate major adverse events for patients with this common disorder" (Suissa and Ernst, 2001). Since asthmatics can't ignore breathing problems for fear of gum disease, advice is offered for sustained good oral health. Peterson's website suggests frequent dental check-ups and cleanings.

It also suggests fluoride treatments, a proper at-home routine, the