Chapter II - Diseases of the Respiratory Tract correlated to the Oral Tissues

Abstract

This chapter discusses diseases of the respiratory tract correlated to the oral tissues. Dental sepsis and lung infection are examples of systemic manifestations of oral diseases. Dental sepsis may be a cause of lung infection. For instance, dental sepsis may play a role in the etiology of lung abscesses. The inhalation of infected purulent exudate and calculus from the oral cavity are definite causes of lung abscesses. Identical organisms can be isolated from a lung abscess and an oral lesion indicating that the oral infection led to the pulmonary infection. The aspiration route is very important in the etiology of lung abscesses. It is relatively easy for septic material or a foreign body from the oral cavity to find its way into the lungs. The primary mechanism of lung infection is by aspiration, and it is doubtful if focal infection in the oral cavity plays other than a minor role. The lungs play an active role in the removal and release of leucocytes and blood platelets. The lungs play a part in the odor present in the breath. It is possible that an oral odor may be because of lesions in the respiratory and alimentary tracts. Chronic bronchopulmonary disease may be responsible for a foul odor emanating from the oral cavity.