Mexican researchers report that the use of inhalers can lead to gingivitis in children.
In this small study, 28 children (aged 6-15 years) with moderate asthma received either salmeterol 100 mcg alone or with beclomethasone 400 mcg, via an inhaler, for a total of 12 weeks.
Oral examination at the end of the study showed that 13 had gingivitis with salmeterol alone, and 10 had gingivitis and one had a lower lip ulcer with the combination therapy.
Given the similar incidence of mucosal injury in both groups, the researchers suggest that these drugs may affect both saliva flow and IgA levels in saliva, though this has yet to be proven (Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol, 2001; 87: 420-3).