Wheeling Dentist: Could Your Asthma Be Affecting Your Oral Health This Fall?

Dentist Wheeling

dentist in wheelingAsthma is triggered easily in fall months. Did you know that asthma contributes to your oral health? Asthma treatments such as corticosteroids inhalers can cause conditions such as dry mouth and oral thrush. These conditions may cause problems such as increased plaque, cavities, gingivitis, TMJ disorder, and poor smelling breath. Contact our dental office in Wheeling if you’d like to schedule an exam to address any oral health conditions related to asthma treatment.

Asthma suffers are often forced to breathe through their mouths, which may cause dry mouth. Furthermore, dry mouth is also a side effect from asthma inhalers. When dry mouth is present, less saliva is produced. Saliva is necessary to keep your mouth clean. Dry mouth increases your risk of developing cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. If you notice a drier than usual mouth, please let the dentist in Wheeling IL know. Doing so may help prevent additional oral health problems.

Oral thrush can occur when the use of an inhaler causes an increased growth of yeast (thrush) in the mouth and throat. Thrush produces white patches on the tongue and throughout your mouth. Rinsing your mouth with water or fluoride mouthwash after using your inhaler will help decrease the growth of oral thrush. The use of inhalers can also irritate your mouth and cause lesions, which can be treated by the Wheeling dentist.

If you are an asthma sufferer, we recommend paying close attention to your oral hygiene habits, as you may be more prone to oral inflammation and disease. Although asthma sufferers may be more vulnerable to dental conditions, routine dental care at home and professional care from the  Wheeling IL dentist can greatly reduce these risks.

Contact us to schedule an appointment today!