COPD & Oral Health: How Breathing Easier Starts with Your Mouth

COPD doesn't just affect your lungs. It significantly impacts your oral health. COPD patients experience higher rates of gum disease, dry mouth, and oral infections. The good news: treating your mouth can actually improve your respiratory health.
(International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 2023)

What Research Shows

COPD patients have 1.19 times higher risk of periodontal disease.
A study in Frontiers in Physiology found that non-surgical periodontal treatment reduces COPD exacerbations and improves lung function.

Inhalers cause dry mouth and oral yeast infections.
Inhaled corticosteroids trigger oropharyngeal candidiasis and xerostomia, but rinsing with water after use removes up to 80% of residual corticosteroid, preventing these side effects.

Poor oral hygiene worsens COPD symptoms.
Research in the COPD Journal shows patients with poorer dental hygiene experience higher daily respiratory symptoms. Oral pathogens can aspirate into the lungs, intensifying inflammation.

5 Protective Steps

• Rinse after every inhaler use to remove corticosteroid residue

• Stay hydrated and use saliva-enhancing mouthrinses

• Use fluoride mouthwash daily to strengthen enamel

• Brush twice daily and floss to reduce bacterial load

• Schedule dental checkups every 3-4 months (more frequent than standard care)

The Feno Smartbrush™ helps make these protective steps effortless. Its personalized mouthpiece ensures a thorough clean across every surface, even for users with limited breath control or hand dexterity. 

Bottom Line

Lung and oral health are inseparable. If you have COPD, maintaining excellent oral health is part of your respiratory care plan. By taking these steps today, you're breathing easier tomorrow.