If you have emphysema, chronic bronchitis or asthmatic bronchitis (the group of diseases that make up Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD), you have a few good reasons to keep your teeth clean:

• There are over 300 species of bacteria that live in your mouth. Periodontal disease is caused by the plaque producing bacteria.
• Studies suggests that periodontal disease may promote the progression of COPD. Bacteria in the mouth may infect the body either through saliva or from breathing into the lungs.
• Cytokines are released by the body in defense of periodontal disease. These cytokines tax the body’s immune system.

COPD sufferers know an ordinary cold or flu can be destructive. Coughs linger and flu turns into pneumonia.

The bacteria that cause periodontal disease and are taxing your immune system are breeding right now in the cozy, moist, acidic environment of your 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 individuals realizing they have it.

Periodontal disease is prevented by thoroughly cleaning your 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. Yet, to prevent and control periodontal disease, flossing is extremely important. Unfortunately, The Journal of Clinical Periodontology reported that for those that do floss, only 18 – 35% of the plaque between teeth is removed. And oral irrigators can’t cut through plaque’s sticky biofilm.

Even with more tools available to keep teeth and gums healthier than in the past, 80% of all adults have some form of periodontal disease. There are electric toothbrushes, oral irrigators, tongue scrapers, oral disinfectants and even a new device – Dental Air Force that combines brushing and flossing - available. The Dental Air Force (www.dentalairforce.com) also has an added benefit of aerating the sites between teeth, changing the environment and making it difficult for the bacteria to grow.

Whatever method of cleaning used, studies show that oral health is critical to total health. With the cold and flu season here, wash your hands, keep your immune system healthy AND clean your teeth.

About The Author

P., Piero D.D.S. is a practicing dentist and inventor of Dental Air Force – a home dental cleaning system that replaces both tooth brushing and flossing by using air, water and all natural cleaner. He can be reached at 616-399-8511, info@dentalairforce.com or visit www.dentalairforce.com.