COPD

Regular dental checkups protect more than your teeth and gums—they can also go a long way toward improving your total health.

We now know that there’s a connection between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and gum disease—poor oral hygiene can worsen the symptoms and severity of this condition. Tooth decay, gum disease and other oral infections can cause serious health problems.

Studies show that people with COPD have a higher risk of gum disease, dry mouth and tooth decay (including tooth loss). The drugs used to treat this inflammatory lung disease can also cause dry mouth or oral thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth.

If you have COPD, make good oral health a priority

If you’ve been diagnosed with COPD, maintaining good oral hygiene can help you avoid additional complications. So, it’s important to brush after every meal and before bedtime and floss at least once a day.

Preventive dental care can reduce the risk of developing gum disease. By scheduling regular dental checkups, you increase your chances of catching potential problems early and reversing any damage that can impact your health.

Enjoying better total health starts with a visit to your dentist

All you need to do is schedule an appointment with a dentist in your plan’s network. They will provide you with preventive dental care that can help you have a healthy smile and body.

To find a dentist in your network, sign in to regence.com or the Regence app and select Find Care.