US Medical Supplies Blog

There are many reasons to regularly brush your teeth and use mouthwash, but a recent study by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Center (NIDCRC) has found that proper dental hygiene might also help to reduce the risk of pneumonia among seniors.

Pneumonia is a lung disease that causes inflammation of the lung. People of all ages are affected by pneumonia, but among seniors, it is the leading cause of death. It also is the leading cause of death among people who suffer from terminal diseases.

Almost a hundred and fifty nursing home residents took part in this study preformed, which was in part preformed by the NIDCRC. The medical records of the participating seniors, who all live at a Veterans Affairs nursing homes, were carefully analyzed to determine their likelihood to contract pneumonia. A nurse then provided dental care to half of the seniors.

At the conclusion of the experiment, the two groups appeared to show the same mortality risk of pneumonia. However, after the residents health risks were considered, the group that had their teeth cleaned regularly showed a significantly decreased mortality rate. In fact, the group that had not had regular cleanings was two-thirds more likely to die as a result of pneumonia.

The numbers were adjusted based off of the residents medical records and there were several factors that were taken into account, including the persons cognitive state and age.

Proper oral hygiene is always important, but this study released by the American Geriatrics Society, seems to confirm that keeping your teeth clean can reduce the mortality rate of pneumonia among seniors.