Today, brushing and flossing those pearly whites has never been more important. Why? Although more data is needed to support these findings, research suggests that there is an association between gum disease and COPD.
Scientists at the University of New York in Buffalo analyzed both the oral and lung health of nearly 14,000 participants from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They discovered that patients who had a history of COPD had more periodontal attachment loss (loose pockets surrounding the tooth) than did patients who did not have COPD. More specifically, they found that patients who had a mean attachment loss of 3 millimeters or greater were at a higher risk of developing COPD than were patients whose mean attachment loss was less than 3 millimeters.
Dr. Frank Scannapieco, D.M.D., Ph.D., suggests that there is a possibility that bacteria from the gums can travel to the lungs and contribute to lung infection. He also suggests that there is a possibility that the inflammation in gum disease can somehow contribute to the inflammation in lung disease, which may affect the airways by limiting air passage to and from the lungs.
What can people do to reduce their risk? Here are some helpful tips:
- Quit smoking
- Reduce dietary sugars
- Eat a healthy diet
- Brush and floss daily
- See your dentist regularly
For more information about periodontal disease visit http://adam.about.net/reports/Periodontal-disease.htm.
I take very good care of my teeth, yet I still have pockets. I have A1AD/inherited emphysema. My dentist explained to me that the inhalers I use plus the medications I take dry my mouth out really bad. So the pocket loss is due to the dry mouth. I wish I had been told this when I was first diagnosed and started using products for dry mouth. I believe that would have made a WORLD of difference. Now I use Biotene toothpaste and Biotene mouthwash every day. It has been a huge help and my mouth feels so much better. Too be honest…this article should have discussed this very common problem with folks who have COPD. So, I thought I would add my 2 cents. Have a great day.