Oral pathogens and respiratory illness: Understanding the link between dental and lung health- A literature review

Human respiratory disorders cause significant suffering and numerous deaths. Emerging research suggests that conditions affecting the mouth, particularly periodontal disease, may influence the development of respiratory infections such as bacterial pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Aspiration pneumonia can occur when oral periodontopathic bacteria are inhaled into the lungs. Additionally, teeth can serve as a reservoir for respiratory pathogens, leading to nosocomial pneumonia. Both periodontal disease and emphysema are characterized by an excessive inflammatory response that results in the breakdown of connective tissue. This shared inflammatory mechanism may explain the correlation between periodontal disease and chronic obstructive lung disease.