Bronchial Asthma and Dental Caries Risk: Results from a Case Control Study

Aim: The present study was conducted with the objective of assessing the dental caries status of asthmatic patients in the age group of 11-25 years and to examine the possible association of these conditions to various aspects of bronchial asthma and its management.

Methods And Materials: The present study was conducted on 80 asthmatic patients receiving treatment at the KMC Hospital, Mangalore, India. They were examined for their caries status, and the scores were compared with an age, sex, and socioeconomic status matched group of 80 non-asthmatic patients as controls. The mean age of asthmatics was 17.4 (+/-4.3) years and mean duration of asthma was 17.69 (+/-7.66) months.

Results: The results showed a significantly higher prevalence of caries among asthmatic patients as compared to the matched control group as well as a positive correlation between the duration of asthma and the caries indices.

Conclusion: There is a need to create awareness among dental practitioners regarding the increased caries risk of asthmatic patients. CLINICIAL SIGNIFICANCE: Special preventive and educational measures will be required to prevent caries and other oral diseases in asthmatic patients.