Periodontal Disease and Respiratory Disease Connection from Belmont Dental Group
Periodontal disease (also called periodontitis and gum disease) has been
linked to respiratory disease through recent research studies. Researchers
have concluded that periodontal disease can worsen conditions such as
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and may actually play a causal
role in the contraction of pneumonia, bronchitis and emphysema.
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition which generally begins with
a bacterial infection. The bacteria found in plaque begin to colonize
in gingival tissue, causing an inflammatory response in which the body
destroys both gum and bone tissue. The sufferer may notice the teeth “lengthening”
as the gums recede while the disease progresses. If left untreated, erosion
of the bone tissue brings about a less stable base for the teeth, meaning
loose, shifting or complete tooth loss.
There are a number of different respiratory diseases linked to periodontal
disease. Pneumonia, COPD, and bronchitis are among the most common. Generally,
bacterial respiratory infections occur due to the inhalation of fine droplets
from the mouth into the lungs. COPD is a leading cause of death and should
be taken very seriously.
Reasons for the Connection
The fact that respiratory disease and periodontal disease are linked may
seem far-fetched, but there is plenty of evidence to support it.
Here are some of the reasons for the link between periodontal disease and
respiratory disease:
-
Bacterial spread – The specific type of oral bacterium that causes periodontal disease
can easily be drawn into the lower respiratory tract. Once the bacteria
colonize in the lungs, it can cause pneumonia and exacerbate serious conditions
such as COPD.
-
Low immunity – It has been well-documented that most people who experience chronic
or persistent respiratory problems suffer from low immunity. This low
immunity allows oral bacteria to embed itself above and below the gum
line without being challenged by the body’s immune system. Not only
does this accelerate the progression of periodontal disease, it also puts
the sufferer at increased risk of developing emphysema, pneumonia and COPD.
-
Modifiable factors – Smoking is thought to be the leading cause of COPD and other chronic
respiratory conditions. Tobacco use also damages the gingiva and compromises
the good health of the oral cavity in its entirety. Tobacco use slows
the healing process, causes gum pockets to grow deeper and also accelerates
attachment loss. Smoking is not the sole cause of periodontal disease,
but it is certainly a cofactor to avoid.
-
Inflammation – Periodontal disease causes the inflammation and irritation of
oral tissue. It is possible that the oral bacteria causing the irritation
could contribute to inflammation of the lung lining, thus limiting the
amount of air that can freely pass to and from the lungs.
Diagnosis and Treatment
When respiratory disease and periodontal disease are both diagnosed in
one individual, it is important for the dentist and doctor to function
as a team to control both conditions. There are many non-surgical and
surgical options available, depending on the specific condition of the
teeth, gums and jaw.
The dentist is able to assess the extent of the inflammation and tissue
loss and can treat the bacterial infection easily. Scaling procedures
cleanse the pockets of debris and root planing smoothes the tooth root
to eliminate any remaining bacteria. The dentist generally places antibiotics
into the pockets after cleaning to promote good healing and reduce the
risk of the infection returning.
Whichever treatment is deemed the most suitable, the benefits of controlling
periodontal disease are two-fold. Firstly, any discomfort in the oral
region will be reduced and the gums will be much healthier. Secondly,
the frequent, unpleasant respiratory infections associated with COPD and
other common respiratory problems will reduce in number.
If you have questions or concerns about respiratory disease or periodontal
disease, please ask your dentist.