How does improper dental care affect your lungs?
Lung infection is one of the common infectious conditions with which many people are affected around the world. When our respiratory system encounters a problem in its network of organs and tissues, it will tend to lung diseases like Asthma, COPD, Chronic bronchitis, Pneumonia, and even Tuberculosis.
Factors like air pollution, smoking, genes are the main causes of such respiratory illnesses. You might aware of the common causes.
Do you know that untreated gum disease can make you suffer from lung diseases? Keep reading to know about the link.
What is the association between oral health and your lungs?
Bacteria in the mouth (or) Oral bacteria are the main reason for all dental diseases. Such harmful germs use our teeth and gums as reservoirs to enter the bloodstream and inner organs. Since each part of our body is tied to another, the bacterial infections in the mouth will end in various granulomatous diseases.
Dental doctors reveal that the proliferated bacteria in the mouth can reach the lungs through tiny droplets of saliva when we breathe.
The immune system as well as the protective layers of the lungs fight against those bacterial attacks to safeguard lungs. In contrast, people with compromised immunity or existing lung complications have high chances of developing serious lung injuries.
The following people have high chances of affected with oral microbes- related lung diseases like gingival tuberculosis:
- Smokers
- Aged persons
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients
- Cancer patients
- HIV patients
Can lung disease medications affect our teeth?
Some anti-inflammatory medications prescribed for respiratory diseases will tend to reduce saliva in your mouth. Reduced salivary flow provides a way for germs to thrive inside the mouth. In such cases, bacterial accumulation over teeth and will end in plaque build-up.
The other oral complications associated with less salivation include bad breath, cavities, dry mouth, oral thrush, and much more.
What should you do to avoid lung problems from dental diseases?
As our bodily parts are linked to others, taking care of your lung health will aid in strengthening your teeth and gums. Likewise, maintaining a healthy oral care routine is another incentive to safeguard your lungs.
- Brush twice a day
- Use fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use an interdental brush or flossing wire to clean the food debris lodged between the teeth.
- Brush your teeth thoroughly at the gum lines to avert bacteria accumulation
- Clean your gums and tongue also.
- Rinse your mouth after every meal.
- Drink a lot of water and chew sugarless gums for more salivary flow.
Bottom line
Healthy teeth and gums play a significant role in your lung health. Remember that oral bacteria can be inhaled to the lungs through saliva and can injure the lung tissues. If you have existing lung infections, the accumulation of oral bacteria with the pathogens will worsen the condition. This will eventually end in serious respiratory diseases.
In simply, taking care of your oral cavity and getting regular dental checkups will strengthen your respiratory system as well as your dental health.
