How can asthma inhalers relate to oral health?
An asthma inhaler is a handheld device that delivers medicine into the lungs as a mist or powder. Some of that medicine can also land on the teeth, tongue and soft tissues. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) explains that people with asthma may have a higher chance of tooth decay, tooth erosion, gum disease and oral thrush, with a dry mouth as a common link (teeth.org.au).
Dry mouth is a feeling of not enough saliva. The ADA notes that less saliva can come from mouth breathing and as a side effect of some asthma medicines. Beta-2 agonist inhalers used for symptoms have been linked with lower saliva flow (teeth.org.au). NSW Health likewise states that asthma inhalers can cause dry mouth, and that over time they can raise the chance of tooth decay, enamel erosion and oral fungal infection (thrush) — particularly steroid inhalers (NSW Health).
Oral thrush is a fungal overgrowth that can appear as white patches on soft tissues such as the tongue. The ADA links corticosteroid (steroid) inhalers with a higher chance of oral thrush, especially at higher regular doses (teeth.org.au). Healthdirect lists sore throat, hoarse voice and oral thrush among possible side effects of inhaled corticosteroid preventers (healthdirect).
This page is not a diagnosis of asthma, thrush or any other condition. It does not change your asthma action plan. Keep using medicines as your GP has prescribed, and ask your GP or dentist what applies to your mouth.
Why rinse with water after a dose when you can?
Rinsing clears medicine residue that can sit on the teeth and soft tissues. Healthdirect advises rinsing your mouth with water or gargling after using an inhaled corticosteroid, and notes that a spacer with a puffer can also reduce the chance of those mouth side effects (healthdirect). NSW Health says it is important to rinse with water after an asthma inhaler, particularly steroid ones (NSW Health). The ADA likewise recommends rinsing with water or a fluoridated mouthwash after inhaler use (teeth.org.au).
Spit the rinse out rather than swallowing it. Healthdirect’s inhaler-device pages also remind people using certain corticosteroid dry-powder or multi-dose devices to rinse after the last dose of the day (healthdirect).
A spacer is a hollow chamber that sits between a puffer and your mouth. Used correctly, more medicine reaches the lungs and less coats the mouth and throat (teeth.org.au; healthdirect). Ask your GP or pharmacist to check your technique — do not invent a new routine from this page.
Do not skip or reduce inhaler doses to protect your teeth. Asthma control comes first. Mouth-care steps sit alongside your prescribed plan, not instead of it.
How should you look after your teeth day to day?
Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, and clean between the teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes. NSW Health includes twice-daily fluoride brushing among dry-mouth care steps (NSW Health). See how to brush your teeth properly and soft vs hard toothbrush.
The ADA advises waiting at least 60 minutes after using an inhaler before you brush (teeth.org.au). Rinse with water first; brushing straight away is not required. Careful technique along the gumline matters more than scrubbing hard.
Sip water through the day, and limit sugary drinks. Sugar-free gum can help saliva flow for some people if jaw comfort allows (teeth.org.au; teeth.org.au dry mouth). See dry mouth and dental health and fluoride toothpaste: how much and why.
If dryness lasts or bothers you, healthdirect advises seeing a doctor, and reminds people not to change medicine doses without talking with their doctor first (healthdirect).
Why tell the dental team about asthma medicines?
Tell the dental team that you use asthma medicines, and share an up-to-date list of inhalers, tablets and other medicines. The ADA recommends seeing your dentist regularly and letting them know if you have asthma and use medicines to prevent or treat it (teeth.org.au).
At AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake, mention asthma when you book or when you arrive. Your dentist can examine your teeth and gums with that history in mind, and discuss home-care options that fit your mouth. If further treatment is recommended, you receive an itemised written estimate before it goes ahead. Benefits, risks and alternatives are discussed with you. Results vary between people.
Asthma diagnosis, action plans and medicine changes stay with your GP (and, where relevant, your pharmacist or asthma educator). This page does not prescribe inhalers or other medicines.
When should you book a check-up or call?
Book regular dental check-ups so early signs of decay, enamel wear, gum problems or thrush can be reviewed. See benefits of regular dental check-ups and check-ups and cleans.
Call sooner for tooth pain, lasting sensitivity, white patches that do not clear, bleeding gums, swelling, or any mouth change that worries you. At AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake, phone (02) 9739 6525 or book online. See how to book an appointment at AMK.
For breathing difficulty, a severe asthma flare-up, or signs of a severe asthma attack, call 000 or go to a hospital emergency department — as healthdirect advises for urgent breathing problems (healthdirect). Outside clinic hours, healthdirect on 1800 022 222 can advise where to get care.
Booking at AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake
AMK Dental Clinic is at Shop 3, 46 Tennyson Road, Mortlake NSW 2137. We serve Mortlake and nearby suburbs including Breakfast Point, Cabarita, Concord, Rhodes and North Strathfield.
If you use an asthma inhaler and would like a check-up, book online or call (02) 9739 6525. Mention your asthma medicines when you book. See opening hours on the Contact page.
This page is general information only — not medical advice, a personal diagnosis, or a prescription. Do not change your inhaler routine without your GP. Keep working with your GP on asthma care, and ask your dentist what suits your teeth and gums.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Please speak with a dentist about your needs.
Common questions
Can asthma inhalers affect my mouth?
Yes, they can. The Australian Dental Association notes that people with asthma may have a higher chance of tooth decay, tooth erosion, gum disease and oral thrush, often linked with a drier mouth. NSW Health explains that inhalers can cause dry mouth and that steroid inhalers in particular may raise the chance of decay, enamel wear and oral thrush over time. This page does not diagnose asthma or mouth disease — ask your GP and dentist what applies to you.
Should I rinse after using my inhaler?
When you can, rinse your mouth with water after a dose, especially after a steroid (corticosteroid) inhaler. Healthdirect advises rinsing or gargling after inhaled corticosteroids, and NSW Health and the ADA give the same rinse advice. Spit the rinse out; do not swallow it. Using a spacer with a puffer, when your GP or pharmacist has shown you how, can also reduce medicine landing in the mouth. Keep using your inhaler as your GP has prescribed — do not skip doses to protect your teeth.
When should I brush after using an inhaler?
The Australian Dental Association advises waiting at least 60 minutes before brushing after using an inhaler. In the meantime, rinsing with water helps clear residue. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, and clean between the teeth once a day. Ask your dentist at AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake which tools suit your mouth. Results vary between people.
Why tell the dentist about asthma medicines?
Telling the dental team about asthma and the medicines you use helps them plan check-ups and advice with your history in mind. The ADA recommends letting your dentist know if you have asthma and use preventer or reliever medicines. Bring an up-to-date medicines list when you visit AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake. Asthma medicine questions and dose changes belong with your GP — this page does not prescribe or change inhaler routines.
Is this page medical advice about my asthma?
No. This page is general oral-health information only. It does not diagnose asthma, change your action plan, or replace advice from your GP, pharmacist or asthma educator. Do not stop, skip or change any inhaler or other medicine without talking with your GP or the prescriber. For asthma concerns, contact your GP or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. For dental booking at AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake, phone (02) 9739 6525.
