Individuals with poor oral health are more predisposed to pneumonia

Abstract

Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to explore the association between oral health and the incidence of pneumonia. Specifically it is to identify if medical, socio-demographic, oral health parameters are related to the incidence of pneumonia and to each other in patients admitted to Mater Dei Hospital, Malta. Materials and Methods: Patients with pneumonia admitted to Mater Dei Hospital were questioned regarding their socio-demographic status, oral health and general health. A dental check up was also performed on each patient. All data obtained was recorded and statistically analysed. Results: 40 patients with pneumonia were recruited up till March 2018. Results showed that there was an association between risk of pneumonia and socio-demographic status especially in those patients residing in certain health districts. From this study there were no results that proved an association between oral health and the risk of pneumonia. Conclusions: Although studies have shown that there is a correlation in between individuals with poor oral health and the increase in the risk of pneumonia, this cross-sectional study shows that there were no significant results that show any correlation between oral health and risk of pneumonia.