Clinical Question
In patients with dysphagia is there a relationship between oral hygiene and pneumonia?
Critically Appraised Topic
Aspiration pneumonia is the result of multiple risk factors, some of which cannot be modified e.g. co morbidities. Dysphagia and oral hygiene have been identified as two modifiable risk factors in the development of pneumonia. By attempting to manage or minimise these risk factors clinicians can help to minimise the risk of patients developing pneumonia.
Therefore management of patients with dysphagia should be extended beyond the use of modified diets, posture and therapeutic techniques to also include the promotion and use of oral hygiene and dental care PDF Format
Critically Appraised Papers
Ferozali F, Johnson G & Cavagnaro A. Health Benefits and Reductions in Bacteria from Enhanced Oral Care. Special Care in Dentistry 27: 5, 2007
NSW Speech Pathology EBP Network 