Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a general term for diseases that have been called "chronic bronchitis" or "emphysema".In recent years, it has been increasing worldwide and has become a major social problem that occupies the fourth leading cause of death in the world. COPD is thought to occur primarily by inhaling toxic substances such as cigarette smoke over a long period of time, but other factors are not well understood.

　Therefore, this time, the research group focused on periodontal disease, which is known as a disease that threatens not only the oral cavity but also the health of the whole body, analyzed the follow-up data of 40 adults over 1650 years old, and about the relationship with COPD. I did some research.As a result of investigating the relationship between periodontal disease and the rapid decrease in the amount of one second by respiratory function test, the group with the most severe periodontal disease progresses compared to the group with the mildest progression of periodontal disease, even when the effects such as smoking are taken into consideration. It was clarified that the rate of rapid decrease in the amount of one second within 3 years was 1.4 times higher, and that the rate of decrease in respiratory function over time was more likely to increase in people with advanced periodontal disease.

　This result suggests that it is important to prevent the progression of periodontal disease and manage the health of the oral cavity in order to protect the health of the lungs.

Paper information:[Scientific Reports] Periodontal status and lung function decline in the community: the Hisayama study