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Updated: Aug 30, 2025

Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System
Published on: April 6, 2017
[Damage to teeth and oral mucosa caused by inhaled drugs: you can prevent it]
Gabriëlla vonKreijfelt1,2, Arjan Vissink3, Tjalling de Vries4
1Bijwerkingencentrum Lareb, 's-Hertogenbosch.
Background:
Inhaled drugs for treating asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can reduce the oral pH, impair microbial homeostasis, and induce a decrease in salivary production. These mechanisms have potential for causing damage to the teeth and oral mucosa.
Case Description:
Until December 2021, the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb received reports of 210 dental and oral mucosal adverse events while using inhaled drugs. Dental caries was most often reported. We describe three cases of tooth damage that developed within months after starting inhaled drugs.
Conclusion:
In addition to other well-known causes for tooth damage, such as neglecting oral hygiene and exposure to sugars, the use of inhaled drugs can contribute to damage to teeth. Prescribers of inhaled drugs should inform patients of the possible dental risks and prevention measures.
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