Poor Oral Hygiene Can Lead To Pneumonia

Poor oral hygiene can lead to pneumonia

Poor Oral Hygiene Can Lead To Pneumonia

Studies have shown that bacteria that live in the mouth can be at risk for several diseases. In addition to cavities and dental infections, these microorganisms can increase the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular disorders.

Now new research reveals that oral bacteria seem to play a role in the development of pneumonia, a lung infection.

The study, carried out in the School of Medicine of the University of Yale, United States, found changes in the oral bacteria that precede the appearance of the respiratory infection.

According to Dr. Samit Joshi, who led the study, the finding "suggests that these changes in oral bacteria play an important role in the risk of developing pneumonia."

Family of bacteria

The scientists compared the profiles of oral microbial communities of healthy adults with adults at risk for a type of infection called hospital-acquired pneumonia, which usually affects those living in nursing homes or patients with ventilated breathing systems in hospital wards. intensive care.

The scientists found that the most prevalent type of bacteria in the oral cavity of the 37 individuals studied was the Streotococcaceae.

But among the patients who developed pneumonia, differences in the number of oral bacteria were found.

"Among those who developed pneumonia, another type of bacteria in the mouth that cause diseases increased days before the development of the infection," explains Dr. Joshi.

"The finding has implications in the prevention of pneumonia in the future."

"It could lead to new and better forms of prevention by maintaining the composition of the bacteria that live inside our mouths or by maintaining our local immune defense mechanisms," he adds.

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The study, however, was carried out in a small number of patients and it will still be necessary to carry out further studies to verify the results.

But as Dr. Nigel Carter, president of the British Dental Health Foundation, stresses, the study presents new evidence that there is a link between oral hygiene and health risks.

"The systemic links between gum disease and general health have already been well documented and maintaining good oral health can actually prevent diseases," says the expert.

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"You should simply brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste, clean interdental areas with brushes or interdental thread, reduce sugary foods and drinks and visit your dentist regularly."