Study Debunks Link Between Asthma and Caries
Relationship Between Asthma and Caries DispelledA study published in the September 2010 Journal of the American Dental Association debunks the notion that a link exists between asthma and tooth decay. The study’s author, Gerardo Maupomé, BDS, MSc, PhD, professor of
Study Debunks Link Between Asthma and Caries
A study published in the September 2010 Journal of the American Dental Association debunks the notion that a link exists between asthma and tooth decay. The study’s author, Gerardo Maupomé, BDS, MSc, PhD, professor of preventive and community dentistry at Indiana University School of Dentistry, explains that a suspected link between the two conditions is likely the result of comment by emergency room workers who observed young patients who manifested both asthma and tooth decay as poorly managed but unrelated conditions.
“We found little evidence to suggest that asthma causes tooth decay,” notes Maupomé, who explains that his team’s research revealed children who have asthma actually exhibit fewer cavities than other children. He attributes the findings to the probability that parents who are accustomed to taking children affected by asthma to health care appointments are also more likely to take those children for dental care.
Maupomé points out that establishing a definite link between asthma and tooth decay is extremely difficult because of the great variation in asthma diagnoses and treatment for the condition. Notably, however, asthma and tooth decay are the most common chronic childhood diseases in the United States. While he says there’s no reason to assume an increased risk of tooth decay in children who have asthma, Maupomé urges parents to be aware that fructose used to deliver therapy in nebulizers may increase a child’s exposure to sugars. He also advises parents of children who have asthma to note risks for mouth dryness, which can be caused by mouth breathing or medications that reduce saliva production.
Source: Indiana University School of Medicine
