Q. I have asthma and it makes my mouth dry and gums red. Have you got any tips?
A. People suffering from asthma are more likely to develop gum disease, according to studies from the Oral Health Foundation. Asthma is a serious condition which makes breathing difficult because it narrows the airways – affecting around 5.4 million people in the UK.
Even though there is no real cure for it, there are many treatments available to help you breathe a little more easily. Although the medication may be effective, they can cause some issues around your overall dental health. Because the majority of asthma sufferers are mouth-breathers, dry mouth is an extremely common problem with which they are faced.
When you have dry mouth, it is because there isn’t enough saliva being produced to keep your mouth hydrated and healthy. After using an inhaler, or other asthma treatments, you should rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash to wash out the medication which contains drying ingredients.
Also ensure that you keep your mouth hydrated by drinking water regularly. Because of this, asthma sufferers should look out for early signs of gum disease which include inflamed red gums, bleeding when brushing and constant bad breath. According to Dr Nigel Carter, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, gum disease can be avoided by following simple advice.
This involves brushing your teeth twice a day and making sure you clean in between your teeth regularly, too. It is also beneficial to visit your dentist regularly as it could help find and treat early signs of gum disease.
* For more information about dental issues, contact Synergy Dental Clinics Bolton, email bolton@synergydental.org.uk or go to synergydental.org.uk/treatments