Oral Hygiene Reduces the Mortality from Aspiration Pneumonia in Frail Elders

Periodontitis: from microbial immune subversion to systemic inflammation

“…Despite limited research in this area, mixed infection with P. gingivalis and T. denticola in a mouse model of aspiration pneumonia has been shown to cause considerably higher inflammatory responses, impaired bacterial clearance and more severe lung pathology compared with single infection with either bacterium 142 . Importantly, the control of the oral microbial burden substantially decreases the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in frail elderly people 143,144 , which suggests a direct association between oral bacteria and lung pathology in susceptible individuals. These results warrant more basic studies to understand the mechanisms involved.…”

Is Cognitive Status Related to Oral Hygiene Level and Appropriate for Determining Need for Oral Hygiene Assistance?

“…This applies to dentate and edentulous patients as well: While dental plaque is well known to promote diseases of the teeth and gums and potentially has an impact on general health, denture plaque has also been shown to promote oral diseases like candidiasis and denture stomatitis and also diseases of residual teeth such as caries and periodontitis 6 . Due to aspiration and ingestion of microorganisms colonizing the dentures, denture plaque enhances the risk of infections 6 , most important of all, pneumonia 7,8 . Its control therefore is beneficial for the general health 6,9,10 and influences the general health related quality of life 10,11 .…”

Oral health of older residents in care and community dwellers: nursing implications

“…; Muller ). An increasing number of studies have shown that poor oral health compromises general health in older people, particularly residents of long‐term care facilities (LTCFs; Muller ). For decades, dental problems have been reported persistently in LTCF residents in a global context (Hoben et al.…”