A new study out of the Yale University School of Medicine supports claims by the Dental Health Foundation that poor oral health could lead to pneumonia.
Researchers at Yale discovered bacterial changes in the mouth often precedes pneumonia, especially in older adults and young children. While more research will have to be done to examine the direct cause of oral bacteria leading to respiratory diseases, correlations between the two have been linked for years.
Bacterial chest infections are believed to be caused by breathing in droplets from the mouth and throat into the lungs. Studies have also shown that people with gum disease have a higher mortality rate from pneumonia.
If you or someone you love suffers from periodontal diseases, contact the Austin dental specialists of Bridgeview Dental at 512-347-8299 today.
