{"id":63,"date":"2021-06-02T17:27:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-02T17:27:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentistryofwisconsin.com\/blog\/?p=63"},"modified":"2021-07-02T17:28:05","modified_gmt":"2021-07-02T17:28:05","slug":"can-asthma-increase-your-risk-for-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dentistryofwisconsin.com\/blog\/2021\/06\/02\/can-asthma-increase-your-risk-for-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Asthma Increase Your Risk for Gum Disease?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you\u2019re one of the 235 million people worldwide who has asthma, you\u2019re already familiar with the struggles and difficulties it brings. As if this condition weren\u2019t bad enough on its own, people with asthma are almost one-fifth more likely to develop gum disease<\/a> than the rest of the population. Gum disease starts off with mild symptoms, but it\u2019s actually the leading cause of tooth loss in the U.S. That\u2019s why it\u2019s crucial to minimize your risk. Read on to learn about the connection between asthma and gum disease and what you can do to keep your smile healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Asthma Could Lead to Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During an asthma attack, it\u2019s only natural to take in as much air as possible by breathing through your mouth. Unfortunately, mouth-breathing quickly dries out your mouth of the saliva that it needs. Without adequate saliva, food debris and dangerous bacteria do not get washed off of your teeth and gums. As a result, it\u2019s all too easy for them to accumulate and inflame your gum tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reduce Your Risk by Avoiding Common Asthma Triggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One easy way to lower your heightened risk of gum disease is to stay away from asthma triggers to the best of your ability. Some common asthma triggers, like high humidity, are impossible to avoid. However, it\u2019s easier to steer clear of a few others. For example, you might be able to minimize your exposure to cockroaches, bed bugs, and rodents \u2013 all of which are notorious asthma triggers \u2013 by keeping your home as clean as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Keeping Gum Disease at Bay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Of course, preventing gum disease involves more than simply managing your asthma. You\u2019ll also need to take steps to protect your oral health, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n