Effects of Medication on Asthma and the Development of Caries Cavities in Children Aged 3-15 at Luz Hospital in Lisbon, Portugal

Abstract

AIM: To examine the impact of medication on asthma treatment and the occurrence of caries cavities in children aged 3 to 15 years old (Luz Hospital in Lisbon, Portugal). The frequency of caries cavities in 3 different groups was examined. In addition, the possible association of caries cavities with different asthmatic medication was also assessed. BACKGROUND: Asthma and caries cavities affect many children worldwide. Investigating the connection between asthma medication and the development of caries cavities is important for enhancing asthma treatment while reducing oral health risks. Exploring the relationship between asthma medication and caries cavities is compelling due to the limited number of conclusive studies on the subject. MATERIALS: A descriptive observational study was conducted on children aged 3 to 15 years old, who attended the immunology-allergology and dentistry services at the Luz Hospital in Lisbon, Portugal. between January 2021 and February 2022. The sample was divided into 3 groups (medicated asthmatics, unmedicated asthmatics, and healthy children without asthma). An intraoral examination was performed to collect the DMFT index (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) to assess the presence of caries cavities. Clinical and dietary data were supplemented with a questionnaire and medical history in all groups. All variables used were qualitative and described using absolute frequencies and percentages. CONCLUSION: These results showed that anti-asthmatic medications may influence the development of caries cavities. The occurrence of caries cavities is more prominent in medicated asthmatic children when compared to unmedicated asthmatic children.