Dentistry for Asthmatics!

Asthmatics are more likely to develop tooth decay

Do you remember that old song; ‘The knee bone’s connected to the leg bone. The leg bone’s connected to the foot bone….’ Yes, I know it gives away my age but it’s a great example of how in our bodies everything is joined up! One thing affects another. A good example of this in dentistry is the special care that must be taken with diabetic patients. If you’re diabetic you probably heal more slowly, your resistance to infection is reduced and your body finds it harder to deal with trauma, both physical or psychological then others.

That’s hard luck but you know about it! It’s important your dentist knows about it too and takes your condition seriously; adapting treatments appropriately.

It’s not only that. There are many medical conditions that can affect your dental health.

A recent report in the Mail on Sunday suggested that asthmatics are at three times more risk of developing dental cavities than the rest of the population.  Research carried out by the University of Oulu in Finland analysed the oral health of more than 10,000 adults and children worldwide for evidence of a link between asthma and dental health. It is thought asthmatics are more prone to dental problems because they produce less saliva, which neutralises plaque acid. British Dental Association Scientific Adviser, Professor Damien Walmsley commented on the study suggesting asthma sufferers take care to visit their dentist. Quoted as Professor of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Birmingham, he said ‘So long as you maintain a rigorous dental regime and visit your dentist regularly it is possible to have healthy teeth and well-controlled asthma’.

Did you know that? I didn’t either before I read the report. It’s so important for health professionals to keep up with the latest research if they want to give their patients the best possible care.

Of course, my research sometimes throws up some more dubious information; for example the suggestion that redheads feel pain more acutely than those with other hair shades. How do colour-blind dentists deal with that?! How many people visit my practice saying;

‘Don’t bother with that silly injection, I’m a blond you know….’

My daughter’s ginger child cries far less often than his brown-haired cousin when he falls over; although some may say he takes after his granddad. ‘No sense, no feeling’  a trait not carried through the female line I’m told. They gang up on me!

The link between diabetes and dental disease is well-recognised. Asthma seems to be gaining the same level of scientific support.

Red hair? Babies stealing their Mum’s calcium? Pyorrhoea in the family? (it’s a nice thought but it doesn’t really wash when it’s your husbands family!)

I’ll reserve judgement on these; after all there’s another song:

Remember Ray Ellington?

‘My friend the witch-doctor…..’