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Oral health disparities in older adults: Oral bacteria, inflammation, and aspiration pneumonia

  • VA Medical Center

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

75 Scopus citations

Abstract

Poor oral hygiene has been suggested to be a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia in the institutionalized and disabled elderly. Control of oral biofilm formation in these populations reduces the numbers of potential respiratory pathogens in the oral secretions, which in turn reduces the risk for pneumonia. Together with other preventive measures, improved oral hygiene helps to control lower respiratory infections in frail elderly hospital and nursing home patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)771-782
Number of pages12
JournalDental Clinics of North America
Volume58
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2014

Keywords

  • Aspiration pneumonia
  • Elderly
  • Oral bacteria
  • Oral hygiene
  • Vulnerable population

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