The effect of oral health and medication use on salivary properties in asthmatic children

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases, especially in children. The medications used and mouth breathing affect oral health. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this situation creates a difference in oral health and salivary biophysical parameters of healthy and asthmatic children. In the study, 72 healthy and asthmatic children aged 5-13 years were screened for oral health and saliva samples were taken. Saliva samples were analyzed for pH and elements. For all statistical analyses, p<0.05 was accepted as significance level. DMFT, dmft, DMFS, dmfs, molar bite, open bite, over jet, mouth breathing, high palate, cross bite, tooth discoloration and erosion index values of healthy and asthmatic children were compared. Among these values, it was concluded that the high palate value was significantly higher in asthmatic children than in healthy children (p<0.05). When asthmatic children were analyzed by grouping them as 4-5 months and 6-12 months according to the duration of drug use, it was concluded that the cross-closure value increased with the duration of drug use and this value was significantly higher (p<0.05). Saliva samples obtained from healthy and asthmatic children were analyzed for pH using Radiometer ABL800 Basic device and for elements using ICP-OES device. The pH, As, B, Cr, Cu, Fe, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Se, Si, Zn, Ca and P values were compared in healthy and asthmatic children. As a result of the analysis, B (p<0.01), Cr (p<0.05), Fe (p<0.01) and Zn (p<0.05) values were significantly lower in asthmatic children, while Cu (p<0.01) and Si (p<0.01) values were higher in asthmatic children. This study revealed that medication use has significant effects on oral health and salivary biophysical properties. Regular oral health check-ups, especially in asthma patients, are critical in preventing potential problems related to medication use. Monitoring changes in salivary parameters provides an opportunity for early intervention and preventive approaches. These findings emphasize that the effects of medication use on oral health should not be ignored. Further studies on different age groups and long-term medication use will contribute to generalize the results obtained and improve clinical practice.