{"id":478,"date":"2021-04-05T17:47:34","date_gmt":"2021-04-05T17:47:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.randolphdental.com\/blog\/?p=478"},"modified":"2021-05-05T17:50:23","modified_gmt":"2021-05-05T17:50:23","slug":"connection-asthma-gum-disease-oral-health-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.randolphdental.com\/blog\/2021\/04\/connection-asthma-gum-disease-oral-health-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"Asthma and Your Oral Health: What You Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Woman<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

According to some estimates, roughly 235 million people around the world suffer from asthma<\/a>. If you are among them, you are likely all too familiar with the inconveniences and struggles that come with your condition. Unfortunately, research has revealed yet another problem related to asthma: a heightened risk of gum disease. Let\u2019s talk about the reason behind this issue and what you can do to protect your smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

Individuals with asthma are more likely to suffer from dry mouth. That is because when you have an asthma attack, it is a natural reaction to breathe through your mouth instead of your nose in order to take in as much oxygen as possible. Mouth breathing can reduce the amount of moisture in your oral cavity. Use of your inhaler may exacerbate the problem by repressing the function of your salivary glands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lack of saliva can increase your risk of gum disease because one of saliva\u2019s primary functions is to rinse away harmful food particles and bacteria. Without enough of it, bacteria may thrive and can easily infiltrate your gum tissues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lower Your Risk by Avoiding Triggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can lower the risk that your asthma will lead to gum disease by taking some practical preventive measures, such as avoiding asthma triggers to the extent possible. Some common triggers, such as low temperatures or high humidity, are nearly impossible to avoid. Others, however, are easier to stay away from. For example, you might be able to reduce your exposure to pet dander and dust by adjusting your home cleaning routine. If you smoke, it would be advisable to make plans to quit as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diligently Care for Your Oral Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Asthma patients \u2014 and people in general \u2014 can reduce their risk of gum disease by diligently caring for their oral health. Here are some practical steps you can take:<\/p>\n\n\n\n