WHAT IS LUNG DISEASE?
In terms of definition, any medical condition that does not allow the lungs to function healthily is considered “lung disease” in general. This disease falls into three different categories, including disease of the airway, lung tissue diseases, and lung circulation diseases. Some patients even have a combination of the three. Tens of millions of people suffer from lung disease in the United States due to genetics, infections, smoking, and periodontal diseases being responsible for most of them. The most common type of lung disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis with a long-term cough and mucus and emphysema, which causes damage to the lungs itself over time. The team at Gentle Dentistry in Tampa, Florida, can help you learn more about lung disease and its possible connection to your oral health.
SYMPTOMS OF LUNG DISEASE
- Coughing up mucus/phlegm
- Difficult or labored breathing during physical activity or while resting
- Higher frequency of pneumonia and lung infections
- Persistent or chronic cough
- Dyspnea, or shortness of breath
- Wheezing, caused by a narrow airway in which air cannot fully flow
TREATMENT OPTIONS:
- Anti-inflammatory medicine
- Bronchodilators
- Lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking
- Pulmonary rehabilitation programs which will combine exercise, training, education, counseling, and nutrition advice
- Supplemental oxygen
WHAT IS THE LINK BETWEEN LUNG DISEASE AND YOUR SMILE?
Studies continue to show fair evidence that there is an association between pneumonia and oral health and that improving oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly can significantly reduce the occurrence and progression of respiratory diseases, especially for those in nursing homes and intensive care units. When patients let periodontal disease go untreated, it can also decrease their lung function, which indicates a potential association between the two conditions, chronic pulmonary disease, and periodontitis.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN LUNG DISEASES AND POOR ORAL HEALTH
If you reside in the Tampa, Florida area and are interested in learning more about the links between lung conditions and your oral health and wellness, call Gentle Dentistry today to connect with Drs. Angela Rasmussen and Amanda del Cueto.
The office is located at 3500 East Fletcher Avenue, Suite #221, and can be reached by calling (813) 734-7102.
