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

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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.

Material and methods

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.

Results

The study population consisted of 159 children (52,8% boys and 47,2% girls). Among medicated asthmatic children, 50,3% have at least one tooth affected by caries cavities. The average number of missing, decayed, and filled teeth is significantly higher in the group of children with ‘Asthma and medication’ (average of 1,34 and standard deviation of 1,686). The mean number of missing, decayed, and filled teeth in the ‘Asthma without medication’ group (average of 0,87 and standard deviation of 0,921) is slightly higher than that in the ‘No Asthma’ group (average of 0,74 and standard deviation of 1,163). The caries cavities average probability appearance in the asthma medicated by ANOVA method is F(2,156)=3,76 with the p<0,05 (p=0,04).

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.

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