Diseases of the Respiratory Tract and Your Oral Health

Because the oral cavity surfaces are in close proximity with the surfaces of the trachea and lower airway, bacteria that reside in the oral cavity can be breathed into the lower airway, causing infection. These bacteria may be pathogenic bacteria which are not normal members of the oral flora or they may be opportunistic organisms. Additionally, oral inflammation, for example, in the form of gum disease, can result in the release of biologically active inflammatory mediators into the oral fluids that may also be breathed into the airway and cause inflammation and increased susceptibility to infection.

Recent evidence suggests that oral bacteria and oral inflammation can be associated with respiratory diseases and conditions that can cause serious illness and even death.  Furthermore, some respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, may have an effect on oral facial morphology or even on dentition.  There are several important respiratory diseases that may be influenced by oral bacteria or oral inflammation.

§  Pneumonia - Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that is caused by bacteria, mycoplasma, viruses, fungi, or parasites.  Bacterial pneumonia is a common and significant cause of death and illness in the human populations.  Pneumonia, together with influenza, is an important cause of throughout the world.  Pneumonia also contributes to morbidity and a decline in the quality of life as well as increased medical costs.  Bacterial pneumonia is composed of several subtypes, all of which have a correlation to oral health status.

§  Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - Patients with COPD have chronic airflow obstruction due to narrowing of the airways, with excess production of sputum resulting from chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.  Chronic bronchitis is defined as the result of irritation to the bronchial airway and excessive secretion of mucus sufficient to cause cough with expectoration for at least three months of the year over two consecutive years.  Emphysema results from the distention of the air spaces next to the terminal bronchiole with destruction of the alveolar septa.  Although this condition is associated with certain symptoms, the definitive diagnosis of emphysema can only be made by observation on a tissue level.

Recent research points to possible associations between oral health, especially dental plaque and gum disease, and respiratory diseases such as community-acquired pneumonia and COPD.  Further research into these associations may allow development and routine implementation of simple and effective strategies to prevent respiratory disease in vulnerable populations.

photo credit: nlm.nih.gov

article source: Scannapieco, Frank & Mylotte, Joseph; Periodontal Disease and Overall Health: A Clinician's Guide