Health benefits and reductions in bacteria from enhanced oral care

Spec Care Dentist. 2007 Sep-Oct;27(5):168-76. doi: 10.1111/j.1754-4505.2007.tb00342.x.

Abstract

This investigation assessed the oral cavity and microbiological status of 36 non-verbal persons with developmental disabilities. The authors examined oral hygiene interventions aimed at reducing risk factors linked to bacterial colonization and aspiration pneumonia. The findings indicated a statistically significant decrease of potentially pathogenic bacteria and a reduction in total bacteria counts for people receiving oral care via intermittent suction.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Dental Care for Disabled / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth / microbiology
  • Oral Hygiene / instrumentation*
  • Oral Hygiene Index
  • Persons with Mental Disabilities*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Pneumonia, Aspiration / prevention & control*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Suction
  • Toothbrushing / instrumentation
  • Toothbrushing / methods