Lung and respiratory disease have been shown in studies to be linked closely with periodontal or gum disease. Indeed, gum disease can cause or worsen respiratory conditions including bronchitis, pneumonia, and even emphysema.
If you find the link hard to believe, you’re not alone. But it’s been well-established. Gum disease begins with small colonies of bacteria. If it isn’t treated, the bacteria take hold, breaking down gums and connecting tissue, and creating pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria can flourish. The gums and eventually surrounding bone recedes, and this leads to tooth loss and reduction in jawbone mass. Gum disease is treatable if detected early, but many people don’t pay attention to symptoms until they get severe.
Periodontal disease has been linked in research with respiratory problems that include bronchitis, emphysema, COPD, pneumonia, and more. The bacteria in the mouth can spread around the body, particularly easily to the lungs. For patients with existing lung problems or compromised immune systems, fighting off the spreading infection can be difficult.
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Gum disease and lung disease are linked in a number of ways according to a growing volume of research. Here are four of the most well-established ways these conditions are linked:
Spreading bacteria. Bacteria that have established themselves in your gums can easily spread down to the lungs with little in between to stop them. These bacteria can cause respiratory problems and make those that already exist worse. This interaction forms the primary basis of the gums-lung connection that can be devastating to overall health.
Poor immune system. People with chronic breathing issues often have a suppressed immune system as well, and that can allow the bacteria from gum disease to spread quickly and without challenge. Low immunity makes both conditions get worse quicker.
Smoking. The respiratory disease often results from smoking, the most common easily modifiable factor that leads to lung disease. Smoking also negatively impacts the gums by slowing down the mouth’s healing processes and allowing gum disease to take hold in a larger part of the mouth and more severely.
Additionally, lung tissue gets inflamed when it comes in contact with certain bacteria, just as gums do. A direct causal link exists between inflamed mouth tissue and inflamed lung tissue, which prevents oxygen from being processed in the lungs efficiently.
Gum Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
For patients dealing with both gum disease and lung disease, a combined approach is necessary – involving the right doctor and a well-informed dentist. They should make sure they aren’t working at cross purposes on treatment. Most dentists offer both surgical and nonsurgical gum disease solutions, based on how bad the problem is and other factors.
Once the dentist knows what needs to be done and how much bone and tissue loss has already happened – through an exam, digital x-rays, and other diagnostics – the first step toward resolving the gum disease and improving overall health is usually a deep cleaning to remove as much bacteria as possible. This may include deep scaling, root planning, and other procedures aimed at keeping bacteria from coming back. In some cases, antibiotics are also used.
Dental office treatment for gum disease by the right dentist often provides quick relief from irritation and inflammation and leads to better oral and overall health. In turn, this can lead to a reduction in the chance and severity of respiratory disease, and that can help you breathe easier.
When you’re ready to take control of your health, a San Diego Dentist Association member can help. For every dental and oral health problem – including periodontal disease that interacts with and negatively impacts respiratory disease – the right dentist can help make things better.