Why Dentists Should Treat Periodontal Disease in Patients with Respiratory Disease? The Impact of Oral Health on Fragile Patients

Authors: Raffele B*, Luciano Z and Sharock E

Volume 2, Issue 9

Abstract

The correlation between periodontal disease (PD) and respiratory diseases (RDs) has been investigated for a long time. Some authors suggested that PD could affect the progression of RDs, and pathogens in the oral biofilm could be inhaled causing lower respiratory tract diseases. There are many infectious agents responsible of RDs: bacteria, mycoplasma, fungi, viruses and parasites. We can classify two kinds of infectious agents: commensal agents and nosocomial agents. Commensal agents are resident on oropharynx mucosa. Nosocomial agents are usually bacteria that are not commensal, but come from the external environment. They both may cause RDs. Even if the lower respiratory airways are sterile, inhaled microorganism coming from oropharynx could contaminate them. Oropharynx bacteria may play an important role in pathogenesis of RDs with several mechanism of action. Some epidemiologic studies and reviews have stressed the potential role of periodontal pathogens in development and progression of RDs. In fact poor oral hygiene may be a significant risk factor for RDs especially in high-risk group as hospitalized and institutionalized patients. A better oral health may help the controlling of RDs. It should be necessary a strict oral hygiene recall in risk group and institution of oral hygiene courses for caregivers in long-term care residences.

Keywords: Pulmonary Infection; Periodontitis; Oral Biofilm; Nosocomial Pneumonia; Oral Hygiene

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