Several studies have shown the relationship between oral health and respiratory diseases. The mouth can be a place where bacteria and other pathogens accumulate, some of them responsible for lung infections, such as pneumonia.

Connection between oral health and respiratory diseases

Microorganisms can accumulate in the mouth that, when inhaled, can reach the lungs and cause respiratory infections. When oral hygiene is inadequate or you suffer from oral diseases, there are even more bacteria present that can present a risk.

The enzymes present in saliva, particularly those associated with periodontitis, can help the bacteria that cause these diseases to stick to surfaces within the respiratory tract, i.e. the mucous membranes of the nose, throat or lungs. Those that are most easily attached are Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can lead to respiratory infections, especially in those who already have lung problems.

These same enzymes can destroy our saliva "film" that acts as a protective barrier to keep out all these types of bacteria, so the mouth's natural defenses are weakened and our body becomes more vulnerable.

Also, when inflammation is present in the mouth, we release chemicals called cytokines to fight it, which can reach the airways and damage the layer of cells that line them: the respiratory epithelium. This makes it even easier for bacteria to do their job, triggering diseases such as pneumonia or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Risk associated with periodontitis

We know that periodontal disease is a problem that directly affects the supporting tissues of the tooth, this can cause teeth to become loose and even fall out. Specialists measure its severity according to the depth of the periodontal probing, that is, how well the gums are attached to the tooth.

Several studies have found that patients with more severe problems tend to be more likely to suffer from respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and COPD. Beyond bleeding gums, which is already a clear sign of a problem that can further increase the amount of bacteria in the mouth, wearing dentures for a long time can also play a role if they are not cleaned properly.

Not only has bacterial growth been shown to be related to common respiratory diseases, but there may also be indications that it complicates viral respiratory infections, such as COVID caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, although further studies are still required.

Relationship of oral health to pneumonia

Pneumonia is a serious infection affecting the lungs and can be caused by various pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. The most common is bacterial pneumonia, usually acquired by aspiration in public places or at home and while hospitalized because the immune system is somewhat weaker than usual. The most common symptoms are constant cough, sometimes with phlegm, fever, chills, fatigue and chest pain when breathing or coughing.

Among the bacteria in the mouth, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus are the most common in people with poor oral hygiene or gum disease and find it easier to reach the lungs of people with weak immune systems, one of the main risk factors for pneumonia, which is why so much attention is paid to the elderly.

Men are more predisposed to develop this disease. Having a lung disease such as COPD or asthma, or other conditions such as diabetes, smoking or a heart that does not pump blood well (congestive heart failure) are risk factors to be taken into account. Sudden changes in temperature and the use of inhaled medications such as steroids or oxygen can increase the risk of becoming infected.

Nevertheless, it has been proven that taking good care of daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits can reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth and therefore the risk of developing lung diseases such as pneumonia.

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Impact of oral health on asthma

Studies have also shown a relationship between asthma and oral problems, mainly due to the effects that inhaled medications to treat this respiratory disease can have on teeth and gums if the child or adult in question does not maintain proper hygiene. The most common are the formation of caries and the accumulation of dental biofilm.

Using these medications for a long time, we insist, as long as due attention is not given to daily oral hygiene, can cause the teeth to wear down more than normal. As prevention, we must make sure to use the inhaler correctly, or teach children how to do it properly, in addition to maintaining a correct oral hygiene routine.

For all these reasons, and others, it is so important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly. It is the only way to prevent diseases such as periodontitis from developing and causing other types of problems, especially in risk groups such as people with diabetes, hypertension or pregnant women. The mouth is a gateway to all kinds of bacteria and pathogens, and its condition has a direct impact on our overall health.