Solid Oral Health: Lower Pneumonia Risk?

How Proper Oral Hygiene May Lower Risk of Pneumonia and Other Respiratory Conditions

New studies coming out of Yale University School of Medicine suggest that changes in bacteria found in the mouth preceded the development of pneumonia in individuals within a hospital setting. The study followed 37 patients over a period of one month, and the leader of the study, Dr. Samit Joshi, concluded that the change in bacteria did play some role in the individuals’ risk for contracting pneumonia.

The team of researchers conducting these studies uncovered that individuals placed on ventilators who later developed pneumonia experienced a substantial change in the oral bacteria in their mouths before they fell ill. While more studies are needed to definitely link pneumonia with oral bacteria, other research has found a link between respiratory diseases and oral health in general.

Respiratory conditions are defined as any medical condition that affects the lungs and also affects the patient’s ability to breathe properly. Some respiratory conditions can be passed on genetically while others can develop due to lifestyle choices or environmental factors. Some of the most common respiratory conditions include bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, sinusitis, and tuberculosis.

Dr. Joshi said this study’s findings may help to improve how doctors prevent pneumonia simply by maintaining or preventing the growth of oral bacteria. There has been a known link between oral health and respiratory conditions for a number of years—bacterial infections that develop in the chest have long been believed to be caused by the breathing in of droplets of moisture from the mouth and throat into the lungs.

Additionally, studies have also discovered there is a higher pneumonia mortality rate for patients who have suffered with an above average number of gum issues. Dr. Joshi expressed that a great starting point to help prevent the spread of bacteria into the lungs is by practicing a regimented oral hygiene routine, one that includes brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

In addition to daily brushing, patients who floss daily and visit the dentist as frequently as recommended also help reduce their risk of developing respiratory issues as well as a number of oral health issues. Along with a proper oral hygiene routine, patients should be conscious of the foods they eat and drink, making sure to cut back on their frequency of consuming sugary foods and soft drinks.

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