Oral bacteria and the inflammation of the gums caused by periodontitis may be associated with certain diseases including COPD. In turn, some diseases can increase your chances of producing these harmful bacteria as your body’s immune system is compromised, making it hard to fight off infections that would normally be managed by your body’s natural defenses.
COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is the sixth highest leading cause of death in the United States. This progressive, inflammatory lung disease has no cure and is often linked to smoking and makes breathing more difficult over time. Gum Disease, or Periodontitis, is a chronic inflammatory infection that affects your teeth and gums and has been linked with higher heart disease risks.
Both COPD and Periodontitis contain similar risk factors as well as pathology and microorganisms. Research has revealed that when gum disease is present, COPD progresses faster than those without gum disease. Additionally, the bacterium that is a major cause of gum disease, P. gingivalis, was found to spread from the mouth into the infected lung tissue, exacerbating the already damaged areas and promoting proliferation of the immune cells.
Periodontitis may not only cause tooth loss, but also adversely affects a variety of systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc. Ensuring proper oral hygiene is maintained and keeping regular dental appointments can help to prevent adverse side effects for other underlying issues or diseases that may not have previously seemed related
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