Oral health of children with respiratory diseases.

Children with respiratory disorders are at risk of compromised oral health. It has been shown that both dental hard tissue damage (dental caries, dental erosion, mild enamel developmental defects) and soft tissue damage (gingivitis, periodontal disease and calculus formation) are more likely for such children. The aetiology of this increased risk of oral health problems is associated both with the illness itself and/or the drug therapies used. Oral health management strategies for the home and surgery are outlined.