Matt - Oral care

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Matt - Oral care

Unhealthy Gums Can Lead to Lung Disease

The simple act of brushing and flossing your teeth may help keep lung

ailments in check.

Researchers believe that as gums recede due to poor oral health,

respiratory illnesses like bronchitis and emphysema worsen.

If you already have lung disease, taking care of your teeth and gums

is especially important.

It's possible that improved oral health is one factor that may help

prevent progression of this disease, which is responsible for 2.2

million deaths a year worldwide.

The data included results of physical examinations that measured lung

function and ascertained overall oral health including gum disease,

gum recession and the number of cavities.

Bacteria in the mouth from poor oral hygiene likely are to blame.

Accumulation of disease-causing organisms associated with gum disease

may increase the risk for serious lower-respiratory-tract infection

in susceptible subjects.

It is possible that bacteria that normally stick to teeth are

sloughed into the saliva and may be breathed into the upper airways,

changing the environment and paving the way for other germs to infect

the lower airways.

Oral conditions likely work with other factors, such as smoking,

environmental pollutants, allergies and genetics to make existing

lung problems worse.

The findings of the present analysis support recently published

reports that suggest an association between periodontal disease and

pulmonary disease.

Journal of Periodontology 2001;72:50-56

http://tinyurl.com/5lktu2

Alana

>

> I agree, if your snot and mucus is thick and yellow, you are to the

> point of needing an antibiotic.

>

> I am currently researching the connection between good oral care and

> upper respiratory infections. I am told there is a correlation I am

> just looking for documentation on the subject.