Oral Health and Respiratory Illness

The link between oral health and respiratory health.

The link between oral health and overall health

The health of your teeth and gums can affect the overall health of your body. Research shows this link is greater than previously thought.

When a person has poor oral hygiene, bacterial infections that cause tooth decay and gum disease are common. The bacteria can limit the ability of the body to fight infection, increase risk for other conditions or make pre-existing conditions worse.

Oral health and respiratory illness

Bacteria living in your mouth can enter the lungs when you breathe. In most cases, your body can fight off the bacteria. However, if your ability to resist infection is not good, the bacteria can make existing lung conditions worse and put you at risk for infections like bronchitis or pneumonia. Maintaining good oral health reduces this risk.

The link between oral health and lung disease goes both ways. Drugs used to treat some lung conditions can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can increase your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Other drugs can disrupt the normal balance in your mouth and cause a fungal infection called thrush. Thrush appears as white patches or red areas that may be sore or painful. It usually goes away in a couple of weeks if treated with an anti-fungal medication.

Good oral health isn't just about having a pretty smile. It is also important in helping you avoid lung problems. Visits to your dentist and doctor will help you manage issues if they happen.

High risk groups

For people with chronic respiratory conditions, the negative effect of medications and challenges with controlling inflammation may put them at higher risk for poor oral health.

If you have a history of asthma, pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, talk with your dentist so they can consider your needs when planning treatment.

Note: The information in this article is not meant to replace the advice of your dentist or another licensed healthcare professional. Talk to your dentist for any specific dental advice.