The Impact of Anti-Asthmatic Medications On Salivary pH And Dental Caries Pattern In A Group of Egyptian Children With Bronchial Asthma: A Cohort Study

Abstract

Aim:The study aimed to assess the oral condition in a group of Egyptian children with bronchial asthma in terms of salivary pH and dental caries pattern. And, assessment of the medications taken by those children (Aironyl and Apidone) in terms of pH and total sugar content. Subjects and methods:A sample of 60 children was divided into two groups (30 asthmatics,30 asthmatic-free). A questionnaire was used to record history of asthma, snacking habits and frequency of tooth brushing. Dental caries surface index was measured using DMFs/defs index. The saliva samples were collected for measuring salivary pH. Anti-asthmatics (Aironyl and Apidone) were evaluated in terms of pH and total sugar content Results:The asthmatics had a significantly higher value regarding (defs) than the control (p<0.001). Concerning the pH value, the asthmatics had a significantly lower value than the control(p<0.001(.But there was no significant difference between both groups regarding DMFs (p=0.260). Both drugs (Apidone and Aironyl) are acidic where their pH values are 5.3 and 5.1 respectively. While, the total sugar content of Apidone is higher than Aironyl as the values are 17g% and 0.5g% respectively. Conclusions: Asthmatic children have more caries experience than healthy controls. Salivary pH value is less in asthmatics than controls.