Regular dental visits and cleanings reduce the risk of pneumonia, the study says – News VCU

By Leha Byrd

People who do not visit the dentist for preventive care have an 86 % higher risk of contributing to pneumonia than those who visit two or more times a year. This seemingly unusual link is the result of a study on oral health and its tendency to cause pneumonia. The analysis found that normal dentist cleansing and checks reduce the risk of bacterial pneumonia, possibly reducing the amounts of harmful bacteria they could [track into the lungs and] cause infection.

VCU Health Michelle Doll epidemiologist, MD, led the study, which also involved lack of access to dental care. The findings of the study were presented on October 26-30 at the National Congress for the Company of Infectious Diseases of America. The doll’s work was chosen by the organizers of the conferences to be presented at a press conference and audio release that published the event.

More than 26,000 national research participants were included in the analysis, which examined the general population and those who were considered high risk. In her job with the latter, the doll said she has seen how important teeth to general health are and has seen patients with severe infections of bad teeth. Characterizations for those considered high risk include age and patients with co-conspiracy.

With this research doll hopes that education and possible classification of dental care as a preventive health service will keep more patients to experience pneumonia. It is supported by nearly one million people each year.

“The information provides evidence that dental care as ongoing healthy behavior has possible systematic benefits,” he said.

Oral hygiene has been increasingly associated with other health issues such as stroke and cardiovascular disease. However, people who are vigilant for their dental health are probably careful for other areas of their health, the study also indicates.

In the context of the study, dental patients and their respective providers were monitored for two years and investigated for information on dental visits, visits and dental insurance. The doll said she was shocked to find out that even those with dental insurance were not free from getting sick. Worked with Norman V. Carroll, Ph.D., PharmacyScott Ratliff, Epidemiologyand Ph.D. Student Kristen Kelly in the study.

Maintaining healthy teeth is important for more than oral health.

“It was expected to see that those with dental insurance do not contribute to pneumonia, but this union was not important,” he said. “In the future, we would like to explore further factors that determine the use of dental care and how people use their benefits.”

Education and defense will be crucial, Doll said, along with providing future cost efficiency analyzes that dictate the economic benefits of good health.

“We can be patients with the Council, especially those who are at high risk for pneumonia, that maintaining healthy teeth is important for more than oral health,” he said.

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