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Unhealthy Gums Can Lead to Lung Disease
dental health
Date: 9/4/2007 9:31:07 PM ( 17 y ) ... viewed 2957 times 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.
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