Gum disease is incredibly common. In fact, nearly half of adults over the age of 30 have gum disease at one severity or another. This condition does much more than cause inflammation and bleeding. It can lead to severe oral health issues, like tooth loss and bone deterioration. It can even result in serious health issues in other areas of the body – some being life-threatening! This includes the risk of respiratory disease. Read on to learn more about the connection and how you can keep your lungs and smile healthy!
How Are Gum and Lung Health Related?
Periodontitis, the severe form of gum disease, is a common bacterial infection that involves severe inflammation and bone loss. However, the bacteria present in periodontitis isn’t just limited to gum disease. Some of it is inhaled into the lungs in tiny droplets of saliva. Healthy lungs have protective defenses to help keep these bacteria out, but diseased and damaged lungs can’t defend themselves as well, making it more likely that bacteria will lead to further infections and worsen existing lung issues.
Having gum disease can worsen chronic inflammation of the lungs caused by various diseases, including asthma and COPD. Additional inflammation means more severe symptoms and further damage to the lungs.
How Can You Prevent the Progression of Respiratory Diseases?
By maintaining healthy gum tissue and good oral health, you can reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, preventing the progression of severe respiratory disease. Here are some important steps for you to take to keep your smile in good condition.
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day to clean the surfaces of the teeth and gums. Use fluoridated toothpaste to strengthen the enamel of the teeth, reducing your risk of decay.
- Use dental floss to remove buildups of food debris and plaque from between the teeth and along the gumline.
- See your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups. In addition to checking for signs of gum disease, your dental team will remove plaque that you have missed as well as tartar buildups that cannot be removed with at-home dental care. If you have signs of gum disease, your dentist may recommend other dental products, like an anti-microbial mouth rinse or returning to the dental office for gum disease treatment.
Gum disease doesn’t just put your smile at risk. It also negatively impacts your vital organs. By keeping up with your gum health, your lungs will be thanking you too!
About the Practice
At Westgate Dental Care, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the Arlington Heights area. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you are struggling with gum disease, we would be happy to help! For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (847) 577-7171.