Being diagnosed with asthma can be a scary process, but with the right treatment, you can easily control it and stay safe. However, that treatment could be having an impact on your oral health. If you're using asthma inhalers or inhalation therapy to control your asthma symptoms, here's why you should see a dentist more often than you are.

Dry Mouth

One of the biggest problems that people who use oral inhalers experience is dry mouth. The medication stored inside the inhaler often has this impact on contact with the mucus membranes of the mouth. While rinsing with water can potentially help in the short-term, your mouth will still produce less saliva than usual for a while after using it, so it's not a complete solution.

When your mouth is dry, it's easier for bacteria to reproduce. This means that you're at a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease while your mouth is dried out.

pH Changes

Many asthma medications temporarily change the pH of your mouth, making it more acidic. Unfortunately, acidic pH levels are hard on your teeth, and can temporarily soften your tooth enamel. This same process occurs when you drink juice or another acidic beverage.

To help remedy this, rinse your mouth after you use your inhaler. This will help to more quickly balance the pH level in your mouth. However, keep in mind that while the enamel is softened, you will be at a higher risk of developing cavities, so it's still a concern you should see a dentist for.

Tooth Color

Lastly, many asthma medications stain teeth. It's unfortunate but true. Your teeth could become yellow or brown-looking due to no fault of your own, even if you maintain good oral hygiene. This is simply because the tiny particle droplets of the medication you take can get onto your teeth and effectively stain them to a different color. Alternatively, if your enamel has been weakened badly enough and damaged due to the asthma medications, the underlying brown or yellow pulp of your teeth may be shining through.

Just because you use asthma inhalers doesn't mean that you're doomed to have brown decaying teeth. By visiting a dentist on a regular basis, you can get the treatment you need to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout your treatment. Ask your dentist how often you should come in, and make sure to bring your medications with you.

For more information, contact a company like Milner Dentistry.