Exploring the Connection Between Periodontal Disease and Respiratory Health

Gum disease doesn’t just cause issues in the mouth. If left to thrive, it increases the risk of several diseases, including respiratory diseases. Recent studies have discovered that periodontal disease can cause or worsen symptoms of respiratory diseases like pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

When we tell you to care for your oral health, it’s not just to protect your mouth. Because of the mouth-body connection, optimal dental care protects the whole body. Want to learn how the bacteria in periodontal disease can cause respiratory problems? Read on, as Kelli Brady, DDS, explains.

The connection between periodontal disease and respiratory problems

Several respiratory diseases, including pneumonia, COPD, and bronchitis, are linked to periodontal disease. These bacterial diseases occur when you inhale fine condensation through the mouth and nose to the lungs. The droplets contain germs that spread quickly and can impair breathing. Respiratory diseases like COPD can be life-threatening, so you should take them seriously.

Although the link between respiratory diseases and periodontal disease may seem far-fetched, there is ample evidence to support it.

These are some reasons.

  • Bacteria spread: Uncontrolled oral infections can spread into the lower respiratory tract and cause infection or exacerbate existing lung infections.
  • Reduced immunity: Patients with respiratory diseases often struggle with weakened immunity. Suppressed body immunity means unwanted bacteria can easily grow and multiply in the mouth. Once periodontal disease develops this way, it can only worsen and deteriorate respiratory issues. Similarly, chronic gum disease can affect the immune system, altering its ability to fight off respiratory pathogens effectively. A weakened immune response can make individuals more vulnerable to respiratory infections.
  • Inflammation: Both gum and respiratory diseases are classified as inflammatory diseases. While more research is needed, it’s possible that inflammation could be the link between these two conditions. Both conditions may cause a systematic inflammatory burden, starting a destructive process in the body.
  • Shared risks: Smoking is one of the leading causes of respiratory diseases like COPD. Similarly, tobacco use contributes to gum disease because it encourages plaque formation, causes mouth dryness, and slows the healing rate. While tobacco isn’t the sole cause of periodontal and respiratory disease, it’s certainly a cofactor to avoid

The link between periodontal disease and breathing complications is profound and multifaceted. These conditions directly affect the airways and lung tissues, leading to symptoms that can severely affect your ability to breathe and overall quality of life. Ultimately, both conditions must be managed to promote good oral and overall wellness.

Gum disease treatment near me

Whether your gum disease is at an early or late stage, we are here to help. Contact Dr. Kelli Brady at any of our offices in New Jersey (201) 806-6866 or New York, NY (646) 692-0227.