(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
IT IS A theory, but a theory nonetheless worth our attention.
It has certainly caught the attention of medical doctors and dentists.
The theory goes that bacteria from the mouth may spread by the breathe we take, bringing oxygen – and bacteria – into the lungs. There, the bacteria may cause infection or aggravate existing health conditions.
Among the elderly, for example, it may cause aspiration pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. It is caused by a relatively large amount of material from the stomach or mouth that enters the lungs. The symptoms include the relatively fast onset of fever and cough that may lead to complications later on.
The risk is obviously of lung damage. Poor oral health, for example, has been linked to pneumonia which occurs when the lung tissue is inflamed, according to a study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.
“Current data suggest that poor oral health is a major risk factor for aspiration pneumonia in older adults,” according to the study conducted at the University of Michigan.
“Available evidence, although not clearly demonstrated by high-quality, randomized, controlled trials, indicates that oral hygiene measures may reduce pneumonia risk in seniors, and further studies are indicated,” the study concludes.
These oral hygiene measures are simple enough, measures that we have been taught time and time again from our early grade school days onwards.
It starts with brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes, with a fluoride toothpaste.
Then clean in between teeth using interdental brushes, or floss – at least once a day.
See the dentist regularly, at least once a year or even better twice annually.
Ask for an oral examination and a professional cleaning. A professional assessment of your oral health prevents more costly visits to the dental clinic in the future, when a toothache gets unbearably painful that it requires probably more complicated procedures.
Do not smoke, avoid sweetened and sugared juices and drinks, exercise regularly, and eat sensibly. All these are important habits not just for oral health but for general health as well.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN
