Can Asthma Increase Your Risk for Gum Disease?

If you’re one of the 235 million people worldwide who has asthma, you’re already familiar with the struggles and difficulties it brings. As if this condition weren’t bad enough on its own, people with asthma are almost one-fifth more likely to develop gum disease than the rest of the population. Gum disease starts off with mild symptoms, but it’s actually the leading cause of tooth loss in the U.S. That’s why it’s crucial to minimize your risk. Read on to learn about the connection between asthma and gum disease and what you can do to keep your smile healthy.

How Asthma Could Lead to Gum Disease

During an asthma attack, it’s only natural to take in as much air as possible by breathing through your mouth. Unfortunately, mouth-breathing quickly dries out your mouth of the saliva that it needs. Without adequate saliva, food debris and dangerous bacteria do not get washed off of your teeth and gums. As a result, it’s all too easy for them to accumulate and inflame your gum tissue.

Reduce Your Risk by Avoiding Common Asthma Triggers

One easy way to lower your heightened risk of gum disease is to stay away from asthma triggers to the best of your ability. Some common asthma triggers, like high humidity, are impossible to avoid. However, it’s easier to steer clear of a few others. For example, you might be able to minimize your exposure to cockroaches, bed bugs, and rodents – all of which are notorious asthma triggers – by keeping your home as clean as possible.

Tips for Keeping Gum Disease at Bay

Of course, preventing gum disease involves more than simply managing your asthma. You’ll also need to take steps to protect your oral health, such as:

• Combating dry mouth – Encourage saliva production by sipping plenty of water throughout the day and chewing on sugar-free gum.
• Being diligent about your oral hygiene – Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes at a time, making sure to clean the area where your teeth meet your gums. Also, floss at least once a day.
• Seeing your dentist regularly – At your biannual checkups, your dentist will examine your mouth for symptoms of gum disease. If they detect any warning signs, they’ll develop a prompt treatment plan.
• Recognizing the symptoms of gum disease – In the early stages, gum disease symptoms are subtle. Call your dentist right away if you notice swollen gums, persistent bad breath, or bleeding when you brush or floss.

Having asthma doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to lose your teeth to gum disease. By being proactive about your health, you can keep your smile in great shape for years to come!

About the Authors  

At Dentistry of Wisconsin, our dentists believe wholeheartedly in the power of teamwork. That’s why Dr. Derek Metzger, Dr. Nate Truckenbrod, and Dr. Madalyn Werner will collaborate to give you personalized tips for maintaining good oral health. To learn more, visit their website to contact their two dental office locations in Waupun and Beaver Dam, WI.