Appreciating The Correlation Between Oral Care And Aspiration Pneumonia

By Patricia Wood


Aspiration pneumonia is one major causes of mortality and morbidity in elderly patients. This is especially so in frail ones. Many studies have shown that ensuring these patients receive effective and efficient oral care helps in preventing this dangerous condition that almost always leads to death. Oral care and aspiration pneumonia seem to be related in that lack of the former increases the chance of getting the latter.

Oral healthcare is important because it touches on all the aspects of life. Many take this simple routine for granted but is actually effective in preventing a lot of issues. The mouth often shows many signs of infections and diseases that affect the rest of the body. These systemic diseases are easily noticeable by lesions. It does not matter what age one is at, both the young and old need to ensure strict mouth hygiene at all times.

This does not mean that the mere brushing of teeth is enough. There is a lot more to good hygiene because one is required to go for yearly checkups. Many people visit their dentist only when they are experiencing pain. Any sign of discomfort should warrant a visit to the dentist. Today, there are many advancements in technology and treatment for mouth related issues. Regular brushing and flossing, use of clean toothbrushes, reducing intake of snacks and eating well is important.

Aspiration pneumonia is a serious disease because it claims the lives of many elderly patients. It is manifested by inflamed lungs as well as the bronchial tubes. It is commonly known as anaerobic pneumonia and is caused by inhaling vomitus, food particles and liquids. The bacterial infection that occurs is considered more serious than any other pneumonia infection. This makes it hard to treat effectively if not caught early.

Common causes include esophageal disorders, large consumption of alcohol and drugs, staying in comatose state, reduced alertness levels, anesthesia, swallowing problems, aging, sedatives and dental problems. Poor mouth health has been proven to be a leading cause of this condition in senior citizens with advanced age.

Numerous studies have been done in a bid to investigate the true effect of oral hygiene on respiratory disease like aspiration pneumonia. It was observed that a clean mouth protects against this infection. It significantly contributed to reduced number of infections which helps to keep older patients safe. In addition, constant oral care is cheaper because it requires less expenses as compared to treatment. It also allows the person to enjoy their life in peace.

It was discovered that simple hygiene techniques had a big impact on the disease. Round the clock healthcare indicated a reduced number of infections. However, dental visits were required weekly. This is more regular as compared to normal checkups.

Oral decontamination has a significant effect on many respiratory diseases. These diseases are life threatening because they interfere with the breathing system of the body. Mechanical cleaning on the other hand removes most germs and pathogens. Training how to swallow is also used.

Numerous studies prove that effective hygiene has a significant impact on the health of the individual. This is especially so when it comes to controlling many respiratory conditions. It should be practiced in elderly homes and nursing care centers.




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