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Gum disease's harmful impact on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Mouth health's connection to general health is well-established, and recent findings suggest it might worsen chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, particularly in relation to heart disease.

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Mouth health's connection to overall body health has been well-established, with recent findings...
Mouth health's connection to overall body health has been well-established, with recent findings suggesting a potential worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in relation to heart disease.

Gum disease's harmful impact on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Worldwide, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ranks as the sixth-leading cause of death, with tobacco smoking being its primary cause. Yet, a lesser-known factor that could significantly impact a person's prognosis with COPD is the state of their oral health—specifically, inadequate dental hygiene.

This startling revelation comes from recent research linking gum disease, specifically periodontitis, to the progression of COPD. Periodontitis is the result of long-term plaque accumulation on teeth, which can lead to gum inflammation, tooth loss, and infections.

Scientists have discovered a strong connection between periodontal bacteria and the aggravation of COPD. Chinese researchers conducted several mouse studies to identify the mechanism by which periodontal bacteria contribute to COPD's progression. Their findings show that mice with COPD and periodontitis experienced a more severe progression of the condition than those with COPD alone.

Additionally, the researchers observed that when mice were orally infected with the bacterium P. gingivalis (a culprit behind gum disease), the bacteria migrated to and infected the lungs. This infection led to the activation of immune cells in the lungs, resulting in increased production of cytokines, small proteins linked to exacerbating COPD symptoms.

Healthy oral hygiene practices are essential to prevent the onset or worsening of gum disease, which, in turn, could potentially help manage COPD. Establishing a regular brushing and flossing routine can help maintain optimal oral health and prevent the development of periodontitis.

Apart from oral hygiene, some natural foods and supplements may support the battle against the bacteria that cause gum disease. Green tea, when used as a mouthwash, has been found to kill all P. gingivalis bacteria within four hours. Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and CoQ10 supplements may also promote healthy teeth and gums.

By adopting these practices, individuals can protect their gums and potentially safeguard their lungs, thereby benefiting their overall health and well-being. This intriguing link between gum health and lung health underscores the importance of practicing good oral hygiene and, by extension, taking care of one's overall health.

Editor's note: The detrimental effects of excessive, damaging acid in the body should not be overlooked. Maintaining an alkaline environment in the body supports wellness and discourages sickness. Learn more about The Alkaline Secret to Ultimate Vitality.

Sources:

  • How gum disease aggravates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - Science Daily
  • Periodontitis aggravates COPD through the activation of γδ T cell and M2 macrophage - American Society for Microbiology
  • New Study Shows 24-72 Hours of Poor Oral Hygiene Impacts Oral Health - Eureka Alert
  1. The progression of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) could be significantly impacted by an individual's prognosis, with inadequate dental hygiene being a lesser-known factor.
  2. Periodontitis, caused by long-term plaque accumulation on teeth, can lead to gum inflammation, tooth loss, and infections, and is linked to the aggravation of COPD.
  3. Scientists have discovered a strong connection between periodontal bacteria and the progression of COPD, as seen in mouse studies conducted by Chinese researchers.
  4. Mice with both COPD and periodontitis experienced a more severe progression of the condition than those with COPD alone, and when mice were orally infected with P. gingivalis bacteria, these bacteria migrated to and infected the lungs.
  5. Healthy oral hygiene practices, such as establishing a regular brushing and flossing routine, can help prevent the onset or worsening of gum disease, which could potentially help manage COPD.
  6. Some natural foods and supplements, like green tea used as a mouthwash, green tea, Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and CoQ10 supplements, may support the battle against bacteria that cause gum disease.
  7. By protecting their gums through good oral hygiene and natural supplements, individuals could potentially safeguard their lungs, thereby benefiting their overall health and well-being in a realm that encompasses health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, nutrition, and therapies-and-treatments.

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