Evaluation of Salivary Parameters and Oral Health Status Among Asthmatic and Nonasthmatic Adult Patients Visiting a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by attacks of bronchoconstriction causing shortness of breath, coughing, and rapid breathing. Patients undergoing inhalation therapy are subjected to a higher risk of dental caries due to the reduced saliva secretion, decreased pH value, increased number of cariogenic bacteria caused by inappropriate oral hygiene, and the use of inhaling medicaments with dry powder.Methods: The descriptive study was carried out among 200 patients aged (18-45 years) visiting Yenepoya Hospital, Mangalore during the period from May 2018 to October 2018 to evaluate salivary parameters and oral health status in asthmatic and nonasthmatic patients. Data were collected using WHO criteria (2013) and samples of unstimulated saliva were collected for evaluation of salivary flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, and calcium. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21.0 software with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A decreased mean score of salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity were found in asthmatic patients compared to nonasthmatic patients (p < 0.001). A higher mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score and an increased dental erosion score were found in asthmatics compared to nonasthmatics (p < 0.05). Asthmatics had higher gingival bleeding score than nonasthmatics.Conclusion: In order to prevent disease progression in the hard dental tissue and oral cavity of asthmatic patients, it is necessary to apply adequate preventive measures and motivate their continuous application in this caries-risk population.

Effects of Consuming Catha Edulis Forsk (khat)on the Gene Manifestation of CHRM1 and CHRM3 in relation to Salivary Glands, Saliva Flow Rates, pH and Dental Caries in Yemeni Consumers

“…It is developed at all ages, in all genders, races and socioeconomic groups. Oral hygiene and quality of saliva also contribute to caries development [6]. Although dental science has made significant progress in recent decades, caries remain a popular health issue around the world.…”

“…Principal variables of saliva's quality that are associated with caries usually include the aciduric/acidogenic bacteria and rates of acid generation. In this sense, variables affecting caries development are, first, the quantity of saliva released in a selected time and, secondly, its acidneutralizing capacity [6,7,16].…”

“…All the samples gathered were evaluated for pH and flow rate potential. The salivary flow rate was assessed by recording the amount of saliva taken within the first 3 minutes of sample collection [5,6]. The special tool named "Saliva-Check Buffer Testing Mat" (developed by the Japanese company GC Dental Products Corporation) has been utilized to evaluate pH level.…”

“…(2) the decrease of enamel solubility due to the presence of calcium, phosphate and fluoride; (3) bufferization and neutralization of acids generated by cariogenic agents or delivered through eating habits; and (4) ensuring regular antibacterial activity [5,6].…”

Successful management of dentin hypersensitivity: A narrative review

“…Studies have shown that the use of inhalers in asthmatic patients decreases salivary flow and salivary composition, which in turn reduces the buffering effect of saliva that protects tooth structures from erosion. [70][71][72] In this regard, the medications used to treat asthma, which include inhaled Beta2 agonists and inhaled steroids, may play a role in these salivary changes. For example, Beta2 agonists have been shown to impair saliva production 73 and lower esophageal sphincter function, which leads to gastroesophageal reflux.…”