Association between periodontal disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a literature review

Abstract

Aim: to review the association between periodontal disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Methods and results: This is a literature review study. The descriptors in Portuguese were selected from DeCS (BVS), "doença periodontal", "doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica" and "periodontite crônica" and, in English, from MeSH, "periodontal disease", "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease" and “periodontitis ". The search was performed in the MEDLINE, LILACS and SciELO data sources through the PubMed, Capes and BVS portals, from 1999 to 2018. It was selected 49 articles and the consensus from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD).

Conclusions: COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the world and despite the increasing number of publications, few studies have been conducted in South America. Studies show that COPD and periodontal disease have common risk factors and comorbidities and whose association may be due to the presence of oral bacteria (aspirated or through the bloodstream) and because  both diseases are neutrophilic inflammatory conditions. Most studies have shown worse periodontal indices in patients with COPD, and these findings were associated with a higher frequency of exacerbations. On the other hand, COPD may also be a risk factor for increasing the severity of periodontal disease. These literature evidences suggest the introduction of periodontal treatment and educational actions for prevention and promotion of oral health as part of COPD patient’s follow-up to improve resolution and effectiveness of COPD treatment.