Periodontal Disease and Respiratory Disease
Back in the day, physicians wouldn’t think twice about checking a patient’s oral health condition after checking their respiratory health. Today, research has shown a significant connection between periodontal disease and respiratory disease. The bacteria found in plaque buildup due to poor oral hygiene can travel through the airways and cause an infection. The health of the lungs can be compromised and respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, will develop.
Plaque Buildup and Inhalation
Periodontal disease is characterized by the inflammation of the surrounding structures in the mouth due to plaque buildup. In time, the disease progresses from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. When bacteria irritates the gums, it reacts by inflammation. The swelling will then make it vulnerable to bleeding and torn gum tissues.
Respiratory diseases are diseases that affect the structures of the lung. Respiratory diseases that are linked to periodontal disease include bronchitis, pneumonia, and emphysema. These diseases are commonly characterized by increased breathlessness, frequent coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest.
The link between periodontal disease and respiratory disease can be explained due to the inhalation of bacteria from plaque buildup. When the bacteria is inhaled into the respiratory tract, it increases the chance of developing an infection.
Increased Risk of Infections from Respiratory Disease
People who experience chronic or persistent respiratory problems have low immunity. A weakened immune system can create a domino effect and put the whole body at risk. The same goes for people with periodontal disease and respiratory disease. Oral bacteria have direct access to the bloodstream due to the torn blood vessels from weakened gums. When the bacteria travels through the bloodstream and the airways, a body-wide inflammation will occur. When this happens, respiratory diseases such as pneumonia will begin to develop.
The immune system has its limitations. If the bacteria continues to accumulate, the immune system will have a hard time battling with constant infections. This is why oral bacteria should not be taken lightly.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
In order to prevent periodontal disease from progressing, a person should visit the dentist and get professional cleaning. If you notice bleeding gums, this means you’re on your way to a progressing periodontal disease. Fortunately, gingivitis (the first stage of the disease) is easy to cure. However, the later stages of periodontal disease can be difficult to treat and reverse. In fact, periodontal diseases have consequences that could be irreversible, such as permanent tooth loss.
The common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease are as follows:
- Bleeding Gums
- Inflamed or Swollen Gums
- Receding Gum Line
- Loose Teeth
- Bad Breath
Prevention and Treatment
Fortunately, good oral hygiene can prevent plaque buildup and the progression of periodontal disease. If, however, plaque has started to build in the mouth, you can visit your dentist for professional cleaning. This way, the plaque will be removed thoroughly and prevent you from inhaling bacteria through the airways and into your lungs.
It would be best to control an underlying respiratory condition before getting periodontitis treated. This is because a compromised immune system due to underlying medical conditions can make periodontal disease difficult to treat. This is because the body responds to viruses in a domino effect.
If periodontal disease has progressed from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, visit our office as soon as possible. Our office specializes in treating periodontal diseases and performing dental implants in the case of lost tooth. It is also recommended to seek advice from your physician before undergoing necessary surgery to treat periodontal disease and avoid complications.