Asthma Meds Could Put Your Child at Increased Risk of Cavities
Posted on 5/29/2020 by Hilton Israelson, DDS
When your child begins to suffer from an asthma attack, it is easy for panic to set in. In such a time, the only thing you can think of is how to help him or her to be able to breathe again. However, you need to be aware that some of the medications you are using could be causing serious harm to his or her teeth. Here is some information on how some asthma medications could be damaging your child's teeth.
Asthma Medications and Your Child's Teeth
There are two primary ways that asthma medications can damage your child's teeth. The first way is by reducing the flow of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is very important to keeping the teeth healthy and strong. Throughout the day, the salivary glands are constantly manufacturing saliva. The saliva helps to continually rinse out the mouth, reducing the levels of harmful bacteria and their acidic secretions. In addition, saliva plays a big role in remineralization, the process by which the tooth's hardened outer enamel is repaired and strengthened. The second way that some asthma medications can harm your child's teeth is by virtue of their acidic composition. Some medications contain elevated levels of acid that will strip away the enamel from the tooth. Without the enamel, the tooth is much more likely to fall prey to tooth decay.
Looking Out for Your Child
Of course, the fact that asthma medications can damage your child's teeth does not mean that you should not allow him or her to take them. Rather, it would be prudent to talk with your child's doctor about alternative medications. Not all medications operate the same way, and obtaining asthma medications that will not harm your child's teeth should not be difficult. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We're here for you!
