25 SEPTEMBER · WORLD LUNG DAY 2026
A lifetime of
lung health.
World Lung Day is a global campaign led by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies to increase awareness, strengthen prevention and support equitable access to respiratory care throughout life.
Visit the official FIRS campaign →
WHY THIS DAY MATTERS
Lung health is shaped across the life course.
Respiratory health is influenced by clean air, tobacco exposure, infections, working conditions, prevention, early diagnosis and access to effective care. The 2026 campaign highlights a shared responsibility to protect healthy lung development and maintain lung health from childhood to older age.
THE ORAL–RESPIRATORY CONNECTION
What connects the mouth and the lungs?
Shared risk factors
Tobacco exposure is a major preventable risk for respiratory disease and also harms periodontal and oral health. Social disadvantage and access to prevention can shape both burdens.
A connected airway
The mouth is part of the upper aerodigestive tract. Oral microorganisms and secretions can reach the lower airways through microaspiration—particularly in frail, hospitalised or mechanically ventilated people.
Pneumonia prevention in care settings
Randomised-trial evidence suggests that daily toothbrushing is associated with fewer cases of hospital-acquired pneumonia, especially among people receiving invasive ventilation. This evidence is clinically important but should not be generalised to every respiratory condition.
Periodontitis and COPD
Reviews often report an association, but smoking and other shared factors can explain part of it. One analysis found that the relationship was no longer clear after strict adjustment for smoking intensity. Association alone does not prove that periodontitis causes COPD.
PREVENTION IN PRACTICE
Protect both ends of the airway.
- Be smoke-free.Avoid tobacco and nicotine exposure and seek support to stop smoking.
- Maintain daily oral hygiene.Brush effectively, clean between the teeth and arrange dental care according to individual need.
- Protect respiratory health.Follow vaccination and treatment advice, reduce exposure to polluted air and seek assessment for persistent symptoms.
- Connect care when needed.People with complex respiratory disease, frailty or hospitalisation may benefit from coordinated oral and medical care.
SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Read the evidence.
Educational content only. This page does not provide individual medical or dental advice.