Effect of Inhaled Medication and Inhalation Technique on Dental Caries in Asthmatic Patients

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the type of inhaled medication, length of use, dosing, the inhaler use technique and the severity and duration of disease on the dental caries of asthmatic patients. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the frequency of dental caries in the asthmatic patients and control group was examined. In addition the possible association of dental caries with disease duration, disease severity, asthma symptoms, chest wheeze, PFT values, and dose of medication and inhalation use technique was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 asthmatic patients of both sex (20-30 years old) and 40 age and sex matched controls were studied. In asthmatic patients, the type, dose, duration of medications, the technique of inhaler use and severity and duration of the disease were recorded. The dental health status including DT, MT, FT and DMFT (decay, missing, filling teeth) were examined. In addition, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed for both groups. RESULTS: All PFT variables in asthmatic patients were significantly lower than those of control group except for FVC (P < 0.001 for all cases). All indices of dental caries in asthmatic group were higher than those of controls which was statistically significant for MT and DMFT (P < 0.005 for both cases). Only FT and DMFT in patients with 11-15 years asthma duration were significantly more than those of 6-10 years (P < 0.05 for both cases). There was no significant correlation between indices of dental caries and disease duration, PFT values; doses of medication or the technique of inhaler use; although the technique of inhaler use was relatively acceptable in all asthmatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that dental caries among asthmatic patients was more common than control group which can be due to using inhaler drugs or the technique of inhaler use.