Hello I am Bororu (DA).
At this time, I would like to share knowledge about preventive dentistry.
What is aspiration pneumonia? Pneumonia is caused when bacteria in the oral cavity enter the respiratory tract due to difficulty swallowing. When aspiration pneumonia develops, you will not only have the three symptoms of fever, cough, and sputum production, but you will also feel lethargic.
Direct causes of death for older people requiring care: When comparing people who used oral care with those who did not, the incidence of pneumonia was reduced by 40%.
Prevention of aspiration pneumonia through oral care and various other effects:
When considering the mechanism of primary pneumonia, you can expect various preventive effects from oral care.
1. Organic oral care reduces the number of bacteria in the oral cavity and pharynx.
In cases where oral care was implemented, the total bacterial count decreased during the study period. By the 5th month, it was approximately 1/10 of the number before the start.
2. Continuous oral care will shorten the time it takes for elderly people requiring care to swallow, preventing aspiration.
3. Functional oral care improves oral functions such as the tongue and lips, increases the amount of food eaten, and improves nutritional status. Oral care will lead to improvements in the theory of immunity.
It is said that around 30-40% of people in nursing homes are potentially malnourished (serum albumin levels below 3.5g/dl). Recent research suggests that many of them have problems with oral function. As part of our efforts to prevent nursing care, dentists and dental hygienists can adjust dentures for people whose oral function is declining, improving their oral function and nutritional status. It`s becoming clear.
Thank you for your kind attention.
