Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the lung airways that causes coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath. If your daughter or son is one of the 4.6 million American children who suffer from asthma, she (or he) probably takes medication for it. Some youngsters with asthma face unique challenges regarding their dental care.
Great Smiles Pediatric & Orthodontics’s expertise in pediatric dentistry ensures that we are well-equipped to address all issues specific to young patients, such as tooth development, preventive care and behavioral management. If your daughter (or son) has asthma, here are some dental care tips.
Encourage her to follow through with regular and thorough oral hygiene practices. She should brush her teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste that has the American Dental Association’s seal of approval. A soft-bristled toothbrush will help avoid irritated gums.
Some asthma medications, especially inhalers, contain sugars or acids that can contribute to tooth decay. Encourage your daughter to rinse her mouth with water after using the inhaler to help minimize the medication’s impact on her teeth.
Proper hydration contributes to her production of saliva, which helps neutralize oral acids and prevent tooth decay. Make sure your daughter drinks enough water throughout the day.
Schedule regular dental check-ups for her, ideally every six months. Her pedodontist will monitor her oral health, identify any issues in their early stages and provide preventive care. Bring the names of her medications to her appointment.
Ask her pedodontist if he (or she) believes that extra fluoride would benefit your daughter. If he believes so, he will recommend fluoride treatments or supplements that will strengthen her tooth enamel.
Some inhalers have a built-in spacer or a mask attachment that reduces the amount of medication deposited in the mouth. Check with your daughter’s healthcare provider to see if such options are suitable for her.
The office of Great Smiles Pediatric & Orthodontics creates a welcoming and comfortable environment for children. From a pleasant waiting area to a friendly staff trained to interact with kids, we make their experience positive and enjoyable. Please call us today to make an appointment.
