Did you know that practicing good oral hygiene can do more than give you healthy teeth and gums and prevent cavities? Research indicates that there’s a link between poor oral health and bacterial pneumonia. The body contains a ton of microbes that have the ability to do both good and bad things to the body. However, bad microbes are only truly dangerous to your health under certain conditions. This is one of the many reasons why seeing the dentist twice a year can be important to your overall health, not just oral health.

The Truth About Bacteria…

Dr. Sara Chung, Dr. William McCune, and Dr. John Micaletti of Creekside Dental understand that there is a link between the bacteria found in our mouths and the development of bacterial pneumonia. Unchecked, the number of bacteria present in the mouth can grow to unhealthy levels, contributing to the development of bacterial pneumonia. Although we can never completely rid our mouth’s of bacteria, we can reduce the amount present creating an environment conducive to both oral health and overall health.

The Connection Between Oral Bacteria and Pneumonia

Sometimes, pneumonia can develop from accidentally inhaling bacteria into the lungs. There are several different types of bacteria that are known to contribute to the development of bacterial pneumonia:

• Streptococcus
• Haemophilus
• Staphylococcus
• Anaerobic bacteria

See your Buffalo Grove, IL dental team twice a year to lower your chances of developing pneumonia.