ORAL HEALTH STATUS OF ASTHMATIC CHILDREN: A REVIEW

Dr. Pramod Yadav, Dr. N.D. Gupta, Dr. R. K. Tewari, Dr. Neha Agrawal, Dr. Aditya Sinha, Dr. Deval Arora

ABSTRACT

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes the airways to constrict , 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 oral health status of asthmatic children, and suggests various measures to counter possible oral health problems related to asthma.

Keywords: Asthma, beta-2 agonist, dental caries, inhaled corticosteroids, periodontal disease