[Oral health in asthmatic children using inhaled therapy. Study in the UTH of Casablanca]

The aim of the study was to investigate oral health in asthmatic children using inhaled therapy and to compare the oral health status according to β2 agonist and corticosteroid dose administrated.

The study group composed of 160 children aged between 2 and 15 years old who had bronchial asthma at different degrees of severity, the children followed at university hospital of Casablanca. A questionnaire was filled referring to oral health habits. For dental examinations, world health organization criteria and for plaque indices the Silness and Löe plaque index were used. Oral mucosal was examined to detect candidiasis or ulcerations.

The dental plaque registered was 1,13 ± 0,64. The mean DMFT was 3,75 ± 1,53 and the mean DMFT was 5,50 ± 3,02. A statistically significant higher average DMFT and DMFT values were observed with higher dose of β2 agonist (p < 0,05). Almost a third of studied population had oral candidiasis and 6,9% had ulcerations. These oral mucosal lesions were particularly observed in children receiving inhaled corticosteroid higher than 400 µg/j (P < 10-5) and they were lower in children using a spacer device and rinsing the mouth after treatment (P < 10-5).

The results suggest higher caries susceptibility and oral mucosal lesions among asthmatic children undergoing inhaled treatment with β2 agonist and corticosteroid. A special attention by doctors and health professionals of these patients is necessary and asthmatic children are recommended to adopt more precautionary oral hygiene practices.