For some of us with bronchiectasis, particularly those who also have MAC Lung Disease, going to the dentist can be stressful. Being inverted in a dentist’s chair, having the dental hygienist clean your teeth with an ultrasonic Cavitron spray and then using water from the spit bowl fountain to rinse, can expose us to harmful bacteria as well as cause coughing.
But, if you take some precautions and have good communication with your dental team, it makes all the difference!
Consider doing the following:
Good oral hygiene is important for everyone and especially for people with lung disease. There are hundreds of types of oral bacteria –some good, some not so good, and lots we are currently studying because their role is unknown. However, tartar build up and gum disease can be prevented by regular dentist visits.
#bronchiectasis #maclungdisease #ntmlungdisease #oralhygiene
Linda Cooper Esposito, MPH is a health educator with bronchiectasis. She developed the BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis and writes with compassion and humor about this chronic lung disease.