Evaluation of Salivary Parameters and Oral Health Status Among Asthmatic and Nonasthmatic Adult Patients Visiting a Tertiary Care Hospital

INTRODUCTION: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by attacks of bronchoconstriction causing shortness of breath, coughing, and rapid breathing. Patients undergoing inhalation therapy are subjected to a higher risk of dental caries due to the reduced saliva secretion, decreased pH value, increased number of cariogenic bacteria caused by inappropriate oral hygiene, and the use of inhaling medicaments with dry powder. METHODS: The descriptive study was carried out among 200 patients aged (18-45 years) visiting Yenepoya Hospital, Mangalore during the period from May 2018 to October 2018 to evaluate salivary parameters and oral health status in asthmatic and nonasthmatic patients. Data were collected using WHO criteria (2013) and samples of unstimulated saliva were collected for evaluation of salivary flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, and calcium. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21.0 software with the level of significance set at p < 0.05.  Results: A decreased mean score of salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity were found in asthmatic patients compared to nonasthmatic patients (p < 0.001). A higher mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score and an increased dental erosion score were found in asthmatics compared to nonasthmatics (p < 0.05). Asthmatics had higher gingival bleeding score than nonasthmatics. CONCLUSION:  In order to prevent disease progression in the hard dental tissue and oral cavity of asthmatic patients, it is necessary to apply adequate preventive measures and motivate their continuous application in this caries-risk population.