Oral health and pneumonia: a case study analysis

Pneumonia is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and can affect all age groups, although it is the very young and the very old who are most at risk. Pneumonia can be caused by many different organisms and can present as a primary condition or as a complication of other diseases or acute health problems.

Thanks to intervention studies and research, it is now recognised across the academic disciplines that regular oral care by a professional can prevent aspiration pneumonia and reduce the onset of fever.

This article discusses the evidence-based links between nosocomial and community pneumonia to oral health, demonstrates the methods, tools and products available to maintain a healthy oral cavity and argues that the main issues seem to be the lack of provisions and importance placed on effective oral health both in hospitals and the community setting.