Can asthma affect your teeth? Understanding the oral health link

The connection between asthma and oral health isn't something many people talk about, but with symptoms like bad breath and increased sensitivity it’s worth talking teeth – and giving yours a rinse after inhaler use too. We speak with Dr John from HBF Dental to find out more.

The connection between asthma and oral health

The link between asthma and oral health is not that asthma directly damages your teeth or gums. Rather, some of the symptoms and treatments associated with asthma can affect the health of your mouth.

“From a physiological standpoint, asthma sufferers often breathe through their mouth rather than their nose, especially during sleep or exercise. This and the use of medications dry out the mouth and can reduce the flow of saliva which is the mouths natural defence mechanism.”
Dr John, HBF Dental

How asthma and asthma medications can affect your oral health

1. Dry mouth

Saliva is an unsung hero when it comes to oral health. It helps wash away bacteria and protect teeth. Since some asthma medications can reduce saliva production, and less saliva can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum problems, it’s a good idea to stay hydrated but also to book an appointment with your dentist if you’re experiencing this persistently.

2. Mouth breathing

People with asthma may be in the habit of mouth breathing, especially at night. This can dry out your mouth and gums and contribute to oral health issues over time.

3. Oral thrush

Corticosteroid preventer inhalers can sometimes increase the risk of oral thrush. Oral thrush is a common fungal infection in the mouth caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a yeast that naturally lives in the body.

It can appear as:

• Creamy white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth or throat
• Redness or soreness in the mouth
• A cotton-like feeling in the mouth
• Changes in taste
• Pain when eating or swallowing (less common)

The comforting news is that thrush is usually easy to prevent with correct inhaler technique and rinsing after use.

It’s simple:

• Rinse with water and spit: Helps remove medication residue.
• Check your inhaler technique: Ensure medicine reaches the lungs rather than remaining in the mouth.

Signs to look out for if you have asthma

• Persistent dry mouth
• Bad breath
• White patches inside the mouth
• Sore gums
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• More frequent cavities

When it comes to tooth sensitivity, Dr John says to remember: “Normal sensitivity is brief sensitivity or discomfort to cold foods and drinks, and it fades almost immediately after the cold stimulus is removed. Pain that lingers or persists, or if it is accompanied by localised throbbing, is sharp to biting, or worsens with time may indicate a more significant problem requiring dental attention.”

Should people with asthma be concerned about their oral health?

Most people with asthma won't experience serious oral health problems and the benefits of asthma medication far outweigh the risks.

Understanding the connection between asthma and oral health isn't about creating worry it’s about adopting a few simple habits to keep your mouth healthy. “The simplest and most important habit if you use an inhaler is to rinse your mouth with water after each use and spit out instead of swallowing it. This simple habit flushes away the residual medication that lowers the ph in the mouth and encourages fungal growth. A good inhaler technique is also important, and a spacer may be recommended.” Says Dr John.

Tips for keeping your teeth healthy with asthma

These simple habits can help reduce your risk of tooth decay:

• Rinse after using your inhaler to wash away medication residue.
• Brush and floss every day using fluoridated toothpaste.
• Cut back on sugary drinks such as soft drinks and juice.
• Manage dry mouth by drinking water regularly, chewing sugar-free gum or using a dry mouth product if needed.
• Keep up with dental check-ups so any problems can be caught early.