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.
