Study Links Poor Oral Health to Pneumonia
A study carried out by researchers at Yale University has revealed a link between poor oral health and pneumonia.
Dr Samit Joshi, from Yale University School of Medicine, said that the study had revealed changes in the mouth caused by bacteria pre-empted pneumonia and warned that elderly people could have a higher risk of developing the condition.
The Dental Health Foundation has warned that hundreds of people could develop pneumonia this winter as a result of neglecting their oral health. Pneumonia affects more than 60,000 people in the UK each year and 5 percent of people diagnosed with pneumonia die from the condition.
Poor oral health has been linked to respiratory diseases for many years and numerous studies have found a connection between the bacteria found in the mouth and throat and infections in the chest. Further research is required to establish more information about the relationship between pneumonia and poor oral health but the message from dental experts is clear: take good care of your teeth and gums. Regular trips to the dentist and a good daily oral hygiene routine should help to keep oral health diseases at bay and this could reduce the risk of serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes and strokes, as well as pneumonia.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said that the results of the study lend further support to the connection between oral health and general health. Simply brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and attending regular check-ups will help to reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening conditions and it is important that people are aware of the importance of looking after their teeth and gums for both their oral and overall health.
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