Aspiration pneumonia is considered a significant health problem that is linked to mortality in elderly people. Studies have demonstrated that the oral cavity may be a reservoir for respiratory pathogens responsible for causing pneumonia in high-risk elderly adults living in long-term care facilities.

Oral anaerobic bacteria, such as periodontal bacteria, have been isolated from the expectorated specimens of aspiration pneumonia in elderly people.¹ Stoltenberg, et al. emphasized that differences in the prevalence of oral bacteria reflect the state of the oral cavity, such as the number of teeth, level of oral hygiene, and degree of periodontal health.²

Although many other factors are evidently associated with the cause and effect of aspiration pneumonia in the institutionalized elderly, the periodontal health status and pocket depth among dentulous individuals may be an additional element within the complex matrix of multiple causes. Therefore, all patients, but especially the elderly and those with a history of pneumonia, will benefit from good oral hygiene to remove plaque, regular dental care, and periodontal disease maintenance.