Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the name for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease. People with lung diseases have difficulties breathing, primarily due to the narrowing of their airways. This is called airflow obstruction.
Research has found that bacteria that grow in the mouth can end up in the lungs to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with gum disease.
Periodontal diseases and respiratory diseases have common risk factors, such as smoking, increasing age and obesity. There might be a link between periodontal disease and respiratory diseases, as chronic inflammation drives both diseases.
Professional treatment of gum disease and good oral hygiene will result in a healthier mouth with less inflammation, which is a benefit to everyone.
