Did you know that nearly half of adults over the age of 30 have gum disease at one severity or another. Gum disease does more than just cause inflammation and bleeding of the gums. It leads to various addition oral health issues, like tooth loss and bone deterioration. It can even cause serious health problems in other areas of the body, some being life-threatening. This includes the risk of respiratory disease. Continue reading to learn more about the connection and what you can do to keep your lungs and smile healthy!
How Are Gum and Lung Health Related?
Periodontitis, the severe form of gum disease, is a common bacterial infection that involves severe inflammation and even bone loss. However, the bacteria present in periodontitis isn’t just limited to the gum tissue. Some of it is inhaled into the lungs on tiny droplets of saliva. While healthy lungs have protective defenses to help keep these bacteria out, diseased and damaged lungs aren’t able to defend themselves as well, making it more likely that bacteria will cause further infections and worsen existing lung problems.
Having gum disease can worsen chronic inflammation of the lungs caused by various diseases, including asthma and COPD. Further inflammation means more frequent symptoms and additional lung damage.
How Can You Avoid the Progression of Respiratory Disease?
By maintaining healthy gum tissue and oral health, you can reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth and prevent the progression of severe respiratory disease. Here are some important steps for you to take to keep your smile in good shape:
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day to clean the surfaces of the teeth and gums. Use a fluoridated toothpaste to strengthen the enamel of the teeth, reducing your risk of tooth decay.
- Use dental floss to remove buildups of plaque and food debris from between the teeth and along the gumline.
- See your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups. In addition to checking for signs of gum disease, your dental team will remove plaque that you have missed as well as tartar buildups that cannot be removed with at-home dental care. If you have signs of gum disease, your dentist may recommend other dental products, like an anti-microbial mouth rinse or returning to the dental office for gum disease treatment.
Periodontitis doesn’t just put your smile at risk! It can negatively impact other vital organs. By keeping up with your gum health, your lungs will thank you too.
About the Author
Dr. Admasu Gizachew earned his dental doctorate from New York University. Since then, he has remained committed to continuing education, logging nearly 300 hours each year, to keep his clinical knowledge and skills up to date. To learn more about gum disease or to schedule a visit at his office in Eatontown, visit his website or call (732) 863-3899.