Pneumomia and Oral Bacteria

It is thought that 620,000 people suffer from pneumonia every year in the UK with a 5% mortality rate, and new research from Yale University suggests that there may be a link to oral health.

Bacterial chest infections are suspected to be caused by breathing fine droplets from the mouth into the lungs.  Changes in oral bacterial levels precede the development of pneumonia and there is some evidence of a higher risk of mortality from pneumonia in people who have deeper gum pockets.

As the weather turns wintry this year it is another reminder that preventative dentistry might just help more than your teeth and gums.  Your hygienist at Ock Street Clinic in Abingdon, Oxford can help you avoid gum pockets so make sure you keep to your recommended schedule!