If you suffer from lung diseases like asthma or COPD, it is important to reduce your exposure to anything that could make breathing harder. Whether it’s installing air filters around your home or protecting your mattress with an allergen blocking cover, there are many small steps you can take to safeguard your lungs. But did you know that having untreated gum disease could make your symptoms worse? Here’s a closer look at the connection between oral bacteria and lung disease, and how you can protect yourself from both.
How Does Oral Bacteria Affect the Lungs?
Oral bacteria can be found in even the healthiest mouth. Under ideal conditions, you should have a healthy balance of both good and bad bacteria. Unfortunately, however, with poor oral hygiene, the bad can sometimes overtake the good, accumulating on the teeth and underneath the gum line. This can increase your risk of cavities and gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. It can also find its way into your bloodstream and even into your lungs, causing inflammation.
In patients who already have problems like asthma and COPD, this inflammation can make it harder to breathe or worsen symptoms like wheezing and coughing.
Breathing Medications and Oral Health
Another risk many people aren’t aware of is the use of breathing medications such as corticosteroid inhalers. While these may be medically necessary, they can often increase your risk of oral health problems, including dry mouth, which can create ideal conditions for oral bacteria to thrive. Some inhalers also increase your risk of a fungal infection called thrush that while painless can leave white spots in the mouth.
How to Protect Your Smile and Your Lungs
The best way to protect your smile and your lungs is through excellent oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist twice a year for your regular preventive exams and cleanings. Furthermore, if you notice any signs of gum disease, it is important to seek treatment from your dentist as soon as possible. These symptoms may include:
- Bleeding gums when brushing and flossing.
- Receding gums.
- Chronic bad breath (halitosis).
- Loose or shifting teeth.
- Tooth loss.
- Red, puffy, or swollen gums.
If you notice any of these changes in your smile, be sure to let your dentist know as soon as possible so that appropriate treatment can begin.
Remember, oral bacteria can put more than just your teeth and gums at risk. It can also negatively affect lung diseases like COPD and asthma. To protect your smile and your body, be sure to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine, and if you notice anything out of the ordinary, seek help from your dentist as soon as you can.
About Dr. Olberding
Dr. Louis Olberding earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska and his dental degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. He is a current, active member of numerous prestigious professional organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. To schedule an appointment for gum disease treatment at Olberding Dental, visit our website or call 402-488-2325.