|
COPD SUFFERERS COMBAT
THE COLD SEASON WITH A DIFFERENT TACTIC
A non conventional prescription for COPD
patients this cold season is to improve oral hygiene. Evidence points to
a link between poor oral health as a risk factor
to COPD sufferers.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (or COPD) sufferers know an
ordinary cold or flu can be destructive. Coughs linger and flu turns into
pneumonia. Most advice ignores the importance of good oral hygiene to the
pulmonary health of COPD
patients. Yet, the American
Academy of
Periodontology reports that periodontal disease may increase the risk for
COPD.
Here’s why it is important for those with emphysema, chronic
bronchitis or asthmatic bronchitis (the group of diseases that
make up COPD) to keep teeth clean:
·
There are over 500 species of bacteria that
live in the mouth. Periodontal disease is caused by the plaque producing
bacteria that is not healthy to COPD sufferers.
·
Studies suggest that periodontal
disease may promote the progression of COPD. Bacteria in the mouth may
infect the body either through saliva or from breathing the bacteria into
the lungs.
·
Cytokines are released by the body in
defense of periodontal disease. These cytokines tax the body’s immune
system giving COPD sufferers less chance of fighting colds and viruses.
The bacteria that cause periodontal disease and tax the immune
system for those with COPD breed in the warm, dark, moist, acidic
environment of the mouth. The areas between the teeth are particularly
good breeding grounds because the bacteria thrive in the absence of
oxygen. Symptoms of periodontal disease are often not noticeable until
the disease is advanced. A dentist can diagnose the disease in the early
stages, prior to COPD patients realizing they have it.
Periodontal disease is prevented by thoroughly and regularly
cleaning the teeth. Professional cleanings at a dentist office every six
months, brushing teeth twice a day and flossing once a day are
recommended. Because it is a laborious task to floss, most people don’t. And oral irrigators can’t cut through plaque’s
sticky biofilm.
Today, more tools are
available to keep teeth and gums healthier than in the past. Electric
toothbrushes, oral irrigators, tongue scrapers, oral disinfectants and a
device (Dental Air Force) that combines brushing and flossing are
available. The
Dental Air Force also has an added benefit of aerating the sites between
teeth, changing the environment and making it difficult for the bacteria
to grow.
Studies show that oral health is critical to total health. The immune system is compromised by poor oral hygiene
and impeccable daily cleaning in the mouth is necessary. The National Center for Health Statistics
reports that there are over 16 million Americans with COPD and it is the
fourth leading cause of death. Keeping teeth clean this cold season is
good advice especially for those with COPD.
###
Author is P.,
Piero D.D.S. practicing dentist and inventor of the Dental Air Force®,
(www.dentalairforce.com). His private practice and public talks are
dedicated to patient education. Contact Dr. Piero at
616-399-8511.
|
