Brushing Prevents Pneumonia

NEW YORK - Researchers in Japan have discovered that frequent teeth cleaning of nursing home patients significantly reduces their risk of becoming infected with pneumonia.

Led by Takeyoshi Yoneyama at Tohoku University in Sendai Japan, researchers followed nursing home residents for two years. Within the study group, 184 residents had their teeth brushed and were swabbed with antiseptic after every meal and received professional cleanings once a week; 182 residents brushed their own teeth and did not receive any additional assistance.

After examining both groups for more than two years, the study determined that those residents who brushed their own teeth were twice as likely to develop pneumonia than those who received professional cleanings.

Information from www.reuters.com