Americans with the poorest oral health are disabled, homebound, or institutionalized. This population is at high risk for developing an untreated chronic periodontal (gum) infection. Untreated infections heighten the body's defense system struggling to control the bacterial and viral invaders. Infections that occur repeatedly or become chronic include the urinary tract, skin, upper respiratory, and the most common of all gums resulting in PERIODONTAL DISEASE.
Oral and pharyngeal cancers are diagnosed in more than 30,000 Americans each year and over 8,000 deaths due to oral cancers occur each year. Preventing high-risk behaviors such as cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking, use of smokeless tobacco, and excessive use of alcohol are critical in preventing oral cancers.
Dental plaque bacteria have been implicated in the development of pneumonia in hospitalized elderly. Good oral health in homebound patients may help protect them from developing potentially life-threatening pneumonia if they need to be hospitalized. Dental plaque has been indicated as a reservoir for respiratory pathogens that can cause pneumonia in hospitalized patients.
Dry mouth or Xerostomia is a side effect of over 700 medications. This condition leaves the patient at high risk for developing cavities and periodontal disease. Malodor or bad breath may be a result of dry mouth. Individuals with dry mouth may also experience a "burning mouth."
Oral and pharyngeal cancers are diagnosed in more than 30,000 Americans each year and over 8,000 deaths due to oral cancers occur each year. Preventing high-risk behaviors such as cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking, use of smokeless tobacco, and excessive use of alcohol are critical in preventing oral cancers.
Dental plaque bacteria have been implicated in the development of pneumonia in hospitalized elderly. Good oral health in homebound patients may help protect them from developing potentially life-threatening pneumonia if they need to be hospitalized. Dental plaque has been indicated as a reservoir for respiratory pathogens that can cause pneumonia in hospitalized patients.
Dry mouth or Xerostomia is a side effect of over 700 medications. This condition leaves the patient at high risk for developing cavities and periodontal disease. Malodor or bad breath may be a result of dry mouth. Individuals with dry mouth may also experience a "burning mouth."
Copyright 2016 All Rights Reserved