A recent study by researchers at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in Maryland reveals that enhanced oral hygiene dramatically reduces the risk of pneumonia in elderly nursing home residents. Specifically, the study shows that mechanical oral hygiene (tooth brushing) has a preventative effect on mortality from pneumonia. Approximately one in 10 cases of pneumonia related death in nursing home residents could be prevented by improving oral hygiene, such as improved tooth brushing. Researchers also found that those who received lesser dental hygiene were approximately three times more likely to develop and die from pneumonia, as compared to those who received enhanced care.
HERE is the Wiley InterScience abstract report.