Assessing caries, dental plaque and salivary flow in asthmatic adolescents using inhaled corticosteroids

Abstract

The results suggest an association between the use of inhaled corticosteroids and an increased risk of dental caries and bacterial plaque, which calls for special attention of these patients by doctors and dental health professionals.

Comparison of the frequency of dental caries in asthmatic children under treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and healthy children in Sabzevar in 2017-2018

“…This is consistent with the findings of the present study about the high mean of DMFT index of children with asthma (7). In a study conducted by Santos et al (2012), no significant relationship was found between taking antiasthma drugs (inhaled corticosteroids) and the mean score of DMFT index (p>0.05) (22). This result is consistent with the findings of the present study.…”

Association between asthma and periodontal disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Possible interactions between medications used for asthma and induction of periodontal changes have also been positively correlated in the literature . Data from some studies suggest that inhalers can lead to changes in pH and a decrease in saliva production and therefore increase biofilm accumulation and calculus . In addition, the immunosuppressive effect of corticosteroids may have some influence on the response of periodontal tissues.…”

“…The higher levels of gingival inflammation seem to be justified by greater plaque accumulation, rather than the presence of more severe destructive periodontal disease. Data suggest that asthma inhalers and open‐mouth breathing may lead to decreased saliva production, changes in pH, and increased risk of plaque and caries …”

“…[6][7][8] Data from some studies suggest that inhalers can lead to changes in pH and a decrease in saliva production and therefore increase biofilm accumulation and calculus. [52][53][54] In addition, the immunosuppressive effect of corticosteroids may have some influence on the response of periodontal tissues. These agents act by inhibiting the host response, thus hampering clinical expression of gingivitis.…”

Salivary characteristics and dental caries

“…8,9 Sjögren syndrome, an autoimmune disease, is characterized by a dramatically decreased salivary flow rate, and patients with this syndrome have higher rates of caries experience than those in control participants. 10,11,12,13,14,15 The long-term use of some medications with antisialogogue effects, such as β-adrenergic agonists, 16,17 corticosteroids 18 and psychotropics, 19,20 also has been shown to be associated with a high rate of caries experience.…”