Introduction: Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease, mainly treated with inhaled steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (ICSs) and inhaled bronchodilators. Unfortunately, current literature emphasizes their negative effect on the condition of soft tissues of the oral cavity and hard dental tissues. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of types of inhaled anti-asthmatic drugs on the properties of saliva in children. Material and methods: Study group included 114 asthmatics and 94 healthy patients between the age of 3 and 17. Information about the age of onset, severity of asthma, use of anti-asthmatic medications, duration of the therapy, method of drugs' administration, and number of their application were recorded. The severity of asthma was assessed by a pediatrician. Saliva was collected for resting pH, buffering capacity, hydration, saliva quantity, and viscosity measurements using saliva-check buffer kit (GC). Student's t-test, c 2 test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Asthmatics appeared to be characterized by significantly lower average values of saliva quantity (p = 0.0064), buffering capacity (p = 0.0002), and viscosity (p = 0.0094) than controls. Spearman's rank correlation revealed a negative correlation between steroid dose, therapy duration, and the use of dry powder inhalers (DPIs) on saliva quantity. Moreover, combination therapy with β 2 -agonists and DPIs reduces hydration of lip mucosa. Finally, the use of DPIs increases the viscosity of saliva. Conclusions:The study shows that inhaled anti-asthmatic medications have a considerable effect on salivary properties.

Introduction. Asthma is the most common chronic condition of childhood. Patients with bronchial asthma are a high-risk group requiring constant and intensive dental prophylaxis and treatment as well as regular dental check-ups. They also require certain modifications of the management in order to minimize the risk of a disease exacerbation during dental treatment. Aim. The purpose of the article is to discuss dental therapeutic management in asthma patients in light of the latest research. Material and methods. Three databases PUBmed/Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched through in terms of contemporary methods of dental treatment of an asthmatic patient. Results. In order to provide the best dental care and to avoid exacerbations during dental procedures to a patient with asthma, a dentist should cooperate with the patient’s attending physician. The elimination of pre-procedural stress using inhaled or oral sedation and knowledge of allergenic agents within dental anaesthetic substances and materials are crucial for successful treatment of the patient. Additionally, a professional fluoride prophylactic is recommended as a standard of care in patients at a high risk of caries. Conclusions. In light of recent research, intensive treatment and dental prevention is necessary in asthma patients as it may reduce symptoms and lead to the stabilization of the disease.

Introduction. Dental treatment remains a constant concern of children as well as adult patients. Adequate choice of sedation enables dentists to safely carry out medical procedures. Aim. To review current literature concerning anesthetic guidelines for sedation in a dental office. Material and methods. Articles from 3 databases were analyzed: PubMed/Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Library, for current guidelines on sedation in dentistry. Results. The most current guidelines show that sedation can be applied to any patient in the event in which anxiety or pain prevents practitioners from safely performing medical procedures. In order for the patient to be qualified for treatment under sedation, he must undergo thorough health assessment and physical examination as well as evolution of the possibility of performing the procedure using minimal, moderate or deep sedation. The most common form of sedation applied in dentistry is oral or inhalation minimal sedation, which does not require the presence of an anesthesiologist during the procedure. Patients suffering from severe odontophobia can be successfully sedated with the use of intravenous drug infusions. However, such procedure requires assistance of a trained Anesthesia Care team specialized in life support. Conclusions. Current guidelines enable treating patients with various health conditions and with fear of dental treatment, using varying degrees of sedation. Thanks to trained medical personnel, the application of specific, procedures and an appropriately equipped dental office, sedation of adults as well as children is safe.