Repiratory Disease may be caused by oral bacteria being aspirated into the lungs. When a person has a chronic infection such are periodontal disease, the infection can be constantly feeding pathogenic bacteria into the respiratory epithelium.
ONLINE RESEARCH ARTICLES:
ABSTRACT:
The Role of Oral Bacteria in Respiratory Infections
By Dr. Frank Scannapieco published in the Journal of Periodontology
An association between oral conditions such as periodontal disease and several respiratory conditions has been noted. Pathogenic bacteria on the teeth as well as in the periodontal pockets can be aspirated into the lungs and cause pneumonia. This is especially critical in patients hospitalized in intensive care or nursing homes for long periods who don’t have access to regular preventive oral hygiene. The enzymes and proteins release during periodontal disease response in the saliva can actually alter the ability of the respiratory epithelium from clearing or protecting the mucosal surfaces in the lungs. Many epidemiologic studies have noted a relationship between poor oral hygiene – specifically with bone loss, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD – which can present itself as Bronchitis or Emphysema.)
