Asthma - Oral Health Care Considerations

• Establish and assess asthma severity and control.
• Consider morning appointments.
• Place patient’s inhaler on the bracket table, or close by for easy access.
• ß-2 agonists may reduce salivary flow. Fluoride supplements are indicated for patients with an increased caries rate.
• Instruct the patient to rinse his or her mouth after inhaler use.
• Recognize and treat oral candidiasis caused by corticosteroid use.
• Consider antibiotic prophylaxis for severely immune suppressed individuals.
• Consider glucocorticosteroid replacement therapy when indicated.
• Avoid dental materials that may induce an asthma attack.
• Avoid sodium metabisulfate-containing local anesthetics.
• Avoid the use of erythromycin and phenobarbital in patients taking theophylline.
• Be aware of possible adverse reactions to aspirin and NSAIDs (up to 20% of patients). COX-2 inhibitors can still be used.

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Medical Complexity Status - Asthma

Asthma	MCS1B
Anticipated complication	Controlled/ stable
Hemostasis	None
Microbial  susceptibility	Minor
Drugs/ drug  interactions	Minor
Stress/trauma	None

See Medical Complexity Status for more information.

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Related Pages

• Medical Disorder
  • Asthma
• Medications
  • Stepwise Approach for Management of Asthma
• Guidelines
  • Antibiotic Prophylaxis
  • Glucocorticosteroid Replacement Guidelines
• Images
  • Steroid Inhalation Candidiasis
  • NSAIDs - Adverse Drug Reaction
• Classifications and Definitions
  • Classification and Control of Asthma

References/Websites

• References
  • Steinbacher DM, Glick M. Asthma: an update and oral health considerations. JADA. 2001;132(9):1229-39.