Like many chronic health conditions, respiratory and autoimmune diseases can be linked back to poor dental health and gum infections. Here’s what to know and how Green Dentistry is here to help.

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The Role of Dental Health in Respiratory & Autoimmune Dysfunction

Meet Dr. Patel, holistic dentist and authority on oral systemic health

Good oral hygiene is imperative for patients with autoimmune and respiratory disorders. This is because both diseases compromise the immune system and can make it more challenging for the body to fight bacteria in the mouth.

And according to recent research, poor dental health may also contribute to the development of these conditions in patients who do not already have them. This is yet another reason why regular dental checkups and cleanings are so crucial for people dealing with systemic health issues.

“Being a patient of Green Dentistry is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my health journey. I’m so glad they have holistic options for dentistry. Dr. Patel and her staff are absolutely amazing!! I recommend this practice for everyone!” – Felecia B., February 2025
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Autoimmune Disorders and Oral Health

Autoimmune disorders are a collection of health conditions where the body’s immune system attacks itself instead of foreign bacteria and viruses. As a result, this can cause widespread inflammation throughout the body that often impacts normal bodily functions like heart rate and digestion.

Some of the most common autoimmune disorders include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
  • Lupus
  • Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
  • Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS)
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Grave’s disease
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

The gums in patients with these conditions are also at a high risk of inflammation and infection. Once this happens, the infection triggers the immune system to work even harder. While this would ordinarily be helpful, it can complicate things for individuals with autoimmune dysfunction.

DID YOU KNOW

The American Thoracic Society confirms that bacteria from the teeth and gums can spread to the lungs where they can cause serious complications.

Dental Health and Respiratory Illness

Oral hygiene has also been found to have a connection with some respiratory illnesses. This is likely the result of oral pathogens that are aspirated into the lungs when breathing, but may also be caused by salivary enzymes specific to gum disease.

While this is most common in people who are undergoing endotracheal ventilation in the hospital, the data suggests that the everyday exposure of the lungs to oral bacteria could also be the cause of more chronic respiratory conditions like:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Pneumonia
  • Sinus infections
  • Bronchitis
  • Acute respiratory distress

Furthermore, poor dental health can also worsen existing respiratory problems, such as:

  • Asthma
  • Sleep apnea
  • Cystic fibrosis (CF)

How We Help

Holistic Dentistry

Dr. Patel and the team at Green Dentistry believe that patients are people. We believe that dental care should be comprehensive and include consideration and treatment of other health conditions. When you come to our office, you’ll immediately feel the difference.

See our holistic approach to dentistry here.

Oral Microbiome Testing

Sometimes, it’s necessary to find out what kind of bacteria are in the mouth in order to develop an effective treatment plan. We offer oral microbiome testing that only requires you to swish with mouthwash and takes as little as 30 seconds to complete.

Read more about oral microbiome testing here.

Deep Cleaning and Ozone Therapy

In cases where gingivitis or periodontal disease is present, we may recommend deep cleaning or ozone therapy. Both procedures are designed to target bacteria that are buried deep beneath the gum line that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach.

Click here to read about deep cleanings or to learn how ozone therapy works.

Sleep Apnea Testing and Treatment

We also provide testing for sleep apnea and offer a variety of easy-to-use sleep apnea treatments. Unlike a CPAP machine, these are small oral appliances that fit into the mouth and do not produce air or noise while you sleep.

Read more about sleep apnea here or how to get a sleep study at Green Dentistry.

The Green Dentistry Difference

At Green Dentistry, we strive to build life-long relationships with our patients to help them feel secure about their smiles today and for many years to come. We want our patients to feel confident in the work we do together to give them not only beautiful smiles but also functionality and oral health to last a lifetime. We are also proud to give back — to people who are in need and to the environment that surrounds us. We are excited to make you the newest member of our holistic dental care family.
Patient showing off whitened teeth from procedure at holistic cosmetic dentist in San Francisco

Your Comfort Matters to Us

Our Union Square dentist in San Francisco ensures our office is a place where you can relax and put your health and wellness first, allowing yourself recovery and restoration. We provide a number of spa-like services to our patients in order to relieve discomfort and improve relaxation, such as:

  • Aromatherapy
  • Neck wraps and heated blankets
  • Healing with essential oils and crystals
  • Noise-cancelling headphones

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New Patient? We’ll Plant a Tree In Your Honor

We believe in “green dentistry with a green thumb.” Let’s work together to help improve the environment and fight climate change.

Every year, your tree will:

  • Produce 260 lbs of fresh oxygen
  • Remove 25+ lbs of carbon from the atmosphere
  • Provide shade and habitat for birds, squirrels, and other animals

Help us make a difference!

San Francisco, home of holistic cosmetic and restorative dentist Dr. Nammy Patel

The best holistic dental care in the San Francisco Bay Area!

We look forward to welcoming you and helping you on your journey to an amazing smile and life-long health!

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Dr. Nammy Patel and her team at Green Dentistry in Downtown San Francisco, California, provide quality dentistry with a holistic approach. They offer their patients exceptional care and service in cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign treatment, laser dentistry, sleep apnea treatment, general holistic dentistry and so much more. They even offer sedation dentistry to their patients. They serve patients throughout the Bay Area. SF Green Dentist is within walking distance from Downtown and the Financial District.

San Francisco dentist Dr Nammy Patel's dental affiliations