COPD Sufferers Combat the Cold Season with a Different Tactic

 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.

Holland, MI October 28, 2008 – 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.