Can bacteria afflicting the gums be causing problems in the lungs? A link between gum disease and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) has been found by a study published in the Journal of Periodontology. "Accumulation of disease-causing organisms associated with gum disease may increase the risk for serious lower-respiratory tract infection in susceptible people," said Dr. Frank Scanapieco, the study's lead author.
Researchers analyzed the periodontal and respiratory health of 13,792 patients and found that those with periodontal disease had almost one-and-a-half times higher risk of COPD, suggesting that gum disease may promote the progression of COPD.
"We know that the onset and progression of COPD is dependent on smoking, and that repeated bacterial infections can worsen the lung disease. It is possible that periodontal bacteria could travel to the lungs through saliva or normal breathing and in some way promote lung infection. Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease may contribute to inflammation of the lining of the lung airway, which limits the amount of air that passes to and from the lungs," Scanapieco wrote.
Previous studies have shown that smoking increases the body's susceptibility to gum disease. "Oral conditions likely work together with other factors, such as smoking, environmental pollutants, allergies and genetics to make existing lung problems worse," Scanapieco noted. "It is conceivable that improved oral health may help prevent the progression of COPD." For more information see www.perio.org/consumer/respiratory.htm.
