{"id":564,"date":"2022-04-25T21:15:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-25T21:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.waterburysmiles.com\/blog\/?p=564"},"modified":"2022-05-30T21:15:11","modified_gmt":"2022-05-30T21:15:11","slug":"connection-between-gum-disease-respiratory-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.waterburysmiles.com\/blog\/2022\/04\/connection-between-gum-disease-respiratory-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Gum Disease Cause Lung Disease?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ModelTooth decay isn\u2019t the only danger lingering in your mouth. Gum disease<\/a> is also a common cause of tooth loss. Healthy gums are vital to preserving your natural smile. However, the preventable infection can wreak havoc on your general health, too. Research has already found various medical conditions linked to gum disease, including heart disease, Alzheimer\u2019s disease, and respiratory disease. Your lung health doesn\u2019t have to become another casualty of the infection. Here\u2019s how to safeguard your smile to breathe a sigh of relief.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Mouth and Body Connection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The mouth is often referred to as \u201cthe gateway to the body\u201d because certain oral issues can influence general wellbeing. Gum (periodontal) disease is one of the biggest concerns, which is caused by plaque and tartar accumulations that harbors harmful oral bacteria. While the infection is easily treatable in the earliest stage (gingivitis), bleeding, red, and swollen gums can turn into tooth loss. The infection can destroy the supporting structures of your teeth and spread to other areas without treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, the infection won\u2019t stop at your smile. It can enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke, memory loss, pregnancy complications, and respiratory disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease Linked to Lung Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As you inhale, tiny droplets containing germs from your mouth and throat can travel to your lungs. They can multiply quickly, restricting normal breathing, especially in the lower respiratory tract. It can lead to infection or worsening of existing lung issues, like asthma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The average mouth contains over 700 species of bacteria. Many are crucial to your dental health and digestion, but too many bad bacteria can provoke disease. Bacteria from infected gum tissue can lead to multiple breathing issues because of an already suppressed immune system. On top of this, underlying respiratory disease is also associated with a poor immune system, increasing the likelihood of infections, like gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Promote Your Lung and Gum Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, it\u2019s easy to keep your gums healthy and protect your respiratory health using a few tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n