Posted on 01/15/2024 10:02:41 PM PST by ConservativeMind
Severe gum disease has been linked to the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, but an understanding remains unclear.
Researchers report that bacteria associated with the gum disease promote COPD through the activation of two types of cells, γδ T cells and M2 macrophages, that are important to the immune system.
"By enhancing periodontal therapy and targeting the inhibition of γδ T cells and M2 macrophages [we] may be able to help control the progression of COPD," said Boyu Tang, Ph.D.
Periodontitis is a gum disease that results from the untreated buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. Over time, the plaque can harden into tartar and cause irritation and inflammation of gum tissue, and then produce deep gaps between the teeth and gums where bacteria flourish and may lead to bone loss. Previous studies have found that it's a risk factor for a raft of diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, some cancers, cardiovascular disease and COPD.
Studies have established that the oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis plays an important role in gum disease. For the new work, Li, Tang and their colleagues used mouse models to show how those bacteria could aggravate progression of COPD. In one experiment, they showed that mice infected with both periodontitis and COPD had worse progression of COPD.
In another experiment, they found that in mice orally infected with P. gingivalis, the bacteria migrated to and infected lung tissue, leading to a significant, observable change in the lung microbiota. Further observations using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence revealed that periodontitis promoted the expansion of the immune cells in the lung tissue.
Finally, in experiments using mouse lung tissue, the group connected the dots by showing that P. gingivalis could activate the immune cells, promoting their ability to produce cytokines associated with worsening COPD.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
It would seem eliminating bleeding gum issues and having antibiotics to eradicate such bacteria could be helpful.
Xylitol
A couple of months ago I began swishing a silver solution around in my mouth after brushing my teeth. I have a dentist appt. in March and can’t wait to find out if it’s doing any good.
My gums used to bleed when brushing, flossing, or using a toothpick. All that stopped after I went on the carnivore diet.
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Yep - the bacterial infections from rotten teeth/gums can kill a person - and let’s face it - viral pneumonia isn’t nearly as deadly as bacterial pneumonia....
Don’t ignore gum disease. It can also cause heart issues.
If you can’t get your gum disease under control, remove your teeth. Seriously.
Maritime Pine Bark.
Google the benefits on mouth bacteria, blood, etc.
Here is what worked extremely well for me: Put a half capful of Listerine into the Waterpik tank, then use the waterpik on a low setting. Clears up any tenderness or infection in a few days. Once a day keeps it away.
Went from always expecting bleeding gums at the dentist to never having any gum pain at the dentist.
Thanks for posting that link. I had this done, just yesterday! I look like a chipmunk today. Not fun but glad to do it.
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