Pulmonary Diseases and Periodontal Health- A Review

Abstract

The oral cavity has a multitude of functions in relation to daily life. The poor health has the
potential of affecting the quality of life. In recent years, efforts have been made to recognize
oral health as an integral part of overall health. The anatomical continuity between the lungs
and the oral cavity makes the latter a potential reservoir of respiratory pathogens. The microorganisms
may enter the lung by inhalation, but the most common route of infection is
aspiration of what pneumologists have long referred to as oropharyngeal secretions. There is
a fair evidence exists between respiratory disorders and poor oral hygiene & good evidence
exist that improved oral health and professional oral health care reduce the progression or
occurrence of respiratory diseases among high risk adults. Dental plaque can act as a
reservoir for respiratory infections. Microorganisms can be released from the dental plaque into salivary secretions, which are then aspirated into lower respiratory tract to cause
respiratory diseases like pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Periodontal
diseases and respiratory diseases including bronchial asthma have an inflammatory nature
thus mandates a positive correlation between these. This paper discusses the relation between
the periodontitis, its influence on the incidence of respiratory disorders and underlines the
importance of improving oral hygiene among patients who are at risk.