{"id":411,"date":"2024-12-05T18:51:15","date_gmt":"2024-12-05T18:51:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentondentalcenter.com\/blog\/?p=411"},"modified":"2025-01-27T19:18:09","modified_gmt":"2025-01-27T19:18:09","slug":"asthma-and-how-it-impacts-your-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dentondentalcenter.com\/blog\/2024\/12\/05\/asthma-and-how-it-impacts-your-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Just Breathe: The Effects of Asthma on Your Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Whether you\u2019re out for a run, cleaning around the house, or walking a flight of stairs, these kinds of exertions can lead to your inability to breathe comfortably. When living with asthma, you may only think about its impact on your respiratory system; however, it may also cause problems with your oral health. Keep reading to learn how this common condition can increase your risk for gum disease<\/a> and why seeing your dentist regularly is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Can Asthma Lead to Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology<\/em>, it is believed that those living with asthma are one-fifth more likely to develop gum disease. Reports indicate that an estimated 235 million people throughout the world suffer from asthma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The connective link between these two conditions can be narrowed down to one unique symptom \u2013 dry mouth. Because asthma causes wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing, it means the oral cavity is without any moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For gum disease to form, bad bacteria must be present, which is likely when dry mouth occurs. Without saliva helping to keep this area moist, plaque can accumulate. This leads to an attack on your gum tissues and teeth, resulting in gingivitis and eventually periodontitis if left untreated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can Trigger Asthmatic Episodes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are already living with asthma, you likely know what can trigger your symptoms; however, physical exertion is not the only thing that can cause difficulty breathing. Dental anxiety is also to blame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the idea of visiting the dentist\u2019s office leads you to become nervous and unable to take a comfortable breath, you may find yourself having an asthma attack. This may cause you to rethink visiting the dentist for regular oral healthcare. This is not the mindset you should have, as there are ways to manage this problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may find it helpful to speak to a member of your dental team about this issue so that arrangements can be made to create a calmer experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Gum Disease Be Avoided When Living with Asthma?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can avoid gum disease even while living with asthma. While the most common tip is to practice good oral hygiene at home by brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing at least once before bedtime, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash as instructed, there are other ways to safeguard your soft oral tissues:<\/p>\n\n\n\n