PerioTrap Pharmaceuticals GmbH
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Dr. James Belcher, December 12, 2025
Can gums affect breathing?
Inflamed gums are more than just a local problem. Research shows that periodontitis can also affect your respiratory system. How are teeth and lungs connected – and what can you do to protect both?
What's behind it?
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the gums . It is triggered by an imbalance in the oral microbiome – the community of over 700 types of bacteria in your mouth. If germs with disease-causing properties such as Porphyromonas gingivalis When it penetrates the gums, deep gum pockets, receding gums, and even tooth loss can occur.
Why is it relevant?
Periodontitis doesn't stay in the mouth – it can send inflammatory messengers throughout the body . Studies show that people with untreated periodontitis have a higher risk of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) (Gomes-Filho et al., 2020).
If bacteria or their toxins enter the lungs via the bloodstream or through inhalation, they can trigger inflammation or worsen existing illnesses. Older people and those with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk .
Infobox
People with periodontitis are up to three times more likely to have respiratory infections – because bacteria from the mouth can “migrate” into the lungs .
Scientific background
Periodontal bacteria such as P. Gingival bacteria can not only destroy gum tissue , but can also enter the lungs through normal breathing (Benedyk et al., 2016). Gingipaine The enzymes mentioned can weaken the lung barrier.
A Japanese study (Sumi et al., 2020) demonstrates that good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of pneumonia in nursing home residents by up to 40% . A stable oral microbiome therefore not only has a local effect in the mouth, but can also influence systemic infections.
Practical tips for everyday life
- ✓ Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day and don't forget the spaces between your teeth (Chapplet et al., 2015) .
- ✓ Go for regular professional teeth cleaning (PZR) to reduce inflammatory plaque (Sanz et al., 2015) .
- ✓ If you have respiratory conditions such as COPD or asthma, talk to a dentist about periodontitis prevention and optimized oral care (Apessos et al., 2021) .
At a glance
ⓘ Periodontitis can worsen respiratory diseases.
ⓘ Bacteria from the mouth can also reach the lungs .
ⓘ Microbiome protection helps keep the mouth and body healthy
Sources
- Apessos I, Voulgaris A, Agrafiotis M, Andreadis D, Steiropoulos P. Effect of Periodontal Therapy on COPD Outcomes: A Systematic Review. BMC Pulmonary Medicine . 2021;21(1):92. doi:10.1186/s12890-021-01429-2.
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Benedyk M, Mydel PM, Delaleu N, et al. Gingipains: Critical Factors in the Development of Aspiration Pneumonia Caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis . Journal of Innate Immunity . 2016;8(2):185–198. doi:10.1159/000441724.
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Chapple IL, Van der Weijden F, Doerfer C, et al. Primary Prevention of Periodontitis: Managing Gingivitis. Journal of Clinical Periodontology . 2015;42 Suppl 16:S71–S76. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12366.
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Gomes-Filho IS, Cruz SSD, Trindade SC, et al. Periodontitis and Respiratory Diseases: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. Oral Diseases . 2020;26(2):439–446. doi:10.1111/odi.13228.
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Sanz M, Bäumer A, Buduneli N, et al. Effect of Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal on Secondary Prevention of Periodontitis and the Complications of Gingival and Periodontal Preventive Measures: Consensus Report of Group 4 of the 11th European Workshop on Periodontology on Effective Prevention of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases. Journal of Clinical Periodontology . 2015;42 Suppl 16:S214–S220. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12367.