RE: Asthma and oral health

July 11, 2010

This was very interesting to read.

In Australia at present there’s a dental scheme whereby you can

get $4,250 worth of dental work carried out if you have a referral from a GP

that states you have a chronic illness and asthma is considered just that.

I obtained a referral some months ago and have had some

extensive work to date but as the funds last for two years that should

hopefully cover any further work.

If the Government here recognizes it to a point where they’re

giving this money away I can’t understand why the companies that make say

Ventolin aren’t being sued. At least now though they carry a warning on the

containers to rinse the mouth out after using it but it wasn’t always there.

From: asfy

[mailto:asfyso@...]

Sent: Monday, 12 July 2010 2:45 AM

Subject: Asthma and oral health

Aust Dent J. 2010 Jun;55(2):128-33.

Asthma and

oral health: a review.

MS, Parolia A, Kundabala M, Vikram M.

Department

of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences,

Mangalore, India. manuel2dr@...

Abstract

Asthma is a

chronic inflammatory condition that causes the airways to constrict and produce

excess mucus, making breathing difficult. It is characterized by the

obstruction of airflow which is variable over a short period of time. This

condition is reversible, either spontaneously or can be controlled with the

help of drugs. Asthma medication comprises bronchodilators,

corticosteroids and anticholinergic drugs. Most of these drugs are inhaled

using various forms of inhalers or nebulizers. The effect of these drugs on

oral health is the subject of debate among dental practitioners. Patients

taking asthma medication may be at risk of dental caries, dental erosion,

periodontal diseases and oral candidiasis. Hence, patients with bronchial

asthma on medication should receive special prophylactic attention.

This article reviews the correlation between asthma and oral health, and

suggests various measures to counter possible oral health problems related to

asthma.

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