Relationship between Asthma and Periodontitis: A Literature Review

Background: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by reversible airway obstruction. This disease usually results from allergic reaction or hypersensitivity. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the oral cavity characterized by the loss of periodontal tissue support. This disease is multifactorial and largely attributed to inflammatory development from bacterial biofilm host-microbe interactions. The association between respiratory diseases and periodontitis has been investigated in the past decades. The results on their correlation have been conflicting throughout the years. Objective: To analyze the association between asthma and periodontitis. Methods: The method used in this paper is literature review, which identifies, analyzes, compares and evaluates previously published scientific works. Conclusion: The main findings in this review validated an association between asthma and periodontitis.