Reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia among elderly patients in long-term care facilities through oral health interventions

Jaya Sarin; Ramesh Balasubramaniam; Amy M Corcoran; Joel M Laudenbach; Eric T Stoopler

doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2007.10.003

Reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia among elderly patients in long-term care facilities through oral health interventions

J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2008 Feb;9(2):128-35. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2007.10.003.

Authors

Jaya Sarin¹, Ramesh Balasubramaniam, Amy M Corcoran, Joel M Laudenbach, Eric T Stoopler

Affiliation

¹ Department of Oral Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.

PMID: 18261707
DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2007.10.003

Abstract

Aspiration pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality of elderly residents in long-term care facilities. The microflora present in the oral cavity because of poor oral hygiene has been associated with aspiration pneumonia. There is evidence that improved oral care can reduce the risk of developing aspiration pneumonia in the elderly. The purpose of this paper is to review aspiration pneumonia and provide oral health care guidelines in an effort to help reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia in the elderly residing in long-term care facilities.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Aged
Dental Implants / microbiology
Geriatric Assessment
Humans
Mouth / microbiology
Oral Health*
Oral Hygiene*
Patient Admission
Pneumonia, Aspiration / prevention & control*
Residential Facilities*

Substances

Dental Implants