Do you or someone in your family suffer from asthma? If so, your regular oral hygiene should be all the more important to you. This unfortunate condition has a lot of potential to foster tooth decay and other dental problems.
Asthma and Dental Health
The main problem with asthma, as far as your dental health is concerned, is that it encourages you to breathe through your mouth when you are short of breath. This causes your mouth to dry out. At the same time, dry mouth is often a side effect of the asthma medication that you might take. Since your saliva is an important part of your mouth’s ability to clean itself and fight infections, any drying in your mouth is making it easier for your oral bacteria to break down your teeth and gums.
If you struggle with asthma, be sure to tell us when you come to our Bellingham dentist’s office. Some people with asthma have particular trouble in the dental chair when they feel dental anxiety. By communicating openly with us regarding your discomfort, you can help us to help you remain comfortable and avoid any difficulties during your cleanings.