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Study Shows Patients with Good Periodontal Health Breathe Easier

Research confirms findings that periodontal disease may increase a person's risk for the respiratory disorder Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

CHICAGO – January 30, 2001 – Rresearch confirms findings that periodontal disease may increase a person's risk for the respiratory disorder Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the sixth leading cause of mortality in the United States. The study, which was published in the Journal of Periodontology, also noted a correlation between the amount of periodontal disease and lung capacity. Study Abstract *

For this study, researchers analyzed the periodontal and respiratory health of 13,792 patients. Patients with periodontal disease, defined by mean periodontal attachment loss (MAL) of greater than 3 millimeters, were found to have nearly a one-and-a-half times greater risk of COPD. A distinct trend also was noted in that lung function seemed to diminish with increased periodontal attachment loss. This suggests that periodontal disease activity may promote the progression of COPD.

"Identification of potential risk factors that contribute to the development of chronic bronchitis or emphysema - respiratory diseases that comprise COPD - may suggest interventions that could prevent or delay the onset of the disease, or slow its progression," explained Frank A. Scannapieco, D.M.D., lead researcher of the study. "Based on these and previous research findings, it is conceivable that improved oral health may help prevent the progression of COPD. This is good news for the estimated 16 million Americans who suffer from it."

Scannapieco cautioned that research does not conclude that periodontal disease causes COPD. "We know that the onset and progression of COPD is dependent on smoking, and that repeated bacterial infections can worsen the lung disease. It is possible that periodontal bacteria could travel to the lungs through saliva or normal breathing and in some way promote lung infection. Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease may contribute to inflammation of the lining of the lung airway, which limits the amount of air that passes to and from the lungs."

"For a long time we've known that people who smoke, are exposed to environmental pollution, or are genetically predisposed are at increased risk for development of COPD," explained Michael McGuire, D.D.S., president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). "Now mounting evidence suggests that periodontal disease may work in concert with these factors and contribute to the progression of this disease."

* EDITOR'S NOTE: Representatives of the media may contact the AAP Public Affairs Department to receive a copy of the study Potential Associations Between Chronic Respiratory Disease and Periodontal Disease. Abstracts of Journal of Periodontology articles are available to the public online. Full-text of studies may be accessed by AAP members and Journal subscribers or purchased online.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is is an 8,000-member professional organization for periodontists - specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation and receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school. Periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

Find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases by taking the Academy’s risk assessment test. Referral to a periodontist in your area is available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's website at www.perio.org.

For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at meg@perio.org or 312/573-3242.

Study Shows Patients with Good Periodontal Health Breathe Easier

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