Asthma does not stop you from seeing a dentist or having treatment. With good preparation and by telling the dentist clearly about your condition, the visit can be safe.
- People with asthma can have dental care if the asthma is stable and they prepare properly.
- Bring your reliever, take controller medicine regularly and avoid visiting while wheezing or short of breath.
- Tell the dentist about your asthma, triggers, medicines and any allergies.
- If breathing becomes difficult or the chest feels tight during treatment, say so at once so the dentist can stop.
Many people with asthma worry that sitting in a dental chair, keeping the mouth open for a long time or the smells in a clinic might make breathing difficult. In practice people with asthma can have dental examination and treatment normally, as long as the asthma is well controlled and they prepare properly.
How should you prepare before the visit?
- Bring the reliever inhaler your doctor has prescribed and keep it within easy reach.
- Take your controller medicine regularly as prescribed, and do not skip it because of a dental visit.
- Choose a time when your asthma is stable, and avoid coming when you are coughing a lot, wheezing or short of breath.
- Tell the clinic beforehand if cold weather or dust easily triggers your asthma.
What should you tell the dentist?
- How long you have had asthma, when your last attack was and whether you are often admitted to hospital.
- Things that trigger your asthma, such as dust, strong smells, cold weather or stress.
- Your prescribed medicines and any history of allergy to medicines or materials.
- Some people with asthma are sensitive to certain pain relievers, so ask the dentist what is suitable.
During treatment
You can signal to stop whenever you feel uncomfortable, and the dentist will pause and adjust your position so you can breathe more easily. If needed, treatment can be split into several short visits rather than one long session. Sitting with the head slightly raised is often more comfortable than lying low.
When should you stop and get help at once?
If you begin to wheeze, feel tightness in the chest or find it hard to breathe, tell the dentist at once so the procedure can stop. Use your reliever as you have been taught. If symptoms do not ease quickly, get medical help without delay.
You may also read what to ask the dentist before treatment and whether you need to fast before a dental visit and how to prepare.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first, and remember to bring your reliever. The exact treatment plan is decided by the dentist after an examination.
Frequently asked questions
Can people with asthma have a tooth removed?
Usually yes if the asthma is stable. Tell the dentist about your asthma and bring your reliever inhaler.
Should I take my controller medicine as usual before a dental visit?
Yes. Take it regularly as prescribed and do not skip it because of a dental visit.
Should I still go to the dentist if I am coughing or wheezing?
If the tooth is not acutely painful, wait until the asthma is stable. If you have severe toothache, call the clinic first.