The Prevention of Infections in Older Adults: Oral Health |
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| Authors: | Patrick P. Coll MD Adam Lindsay MD Joyce Meng MD Aadarsh Gopalakrishna DDS Sree Raghavendra DMD Pooja Bysani DDS Daniel O'Brien MD |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Family Medicine & Center on Aging, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut;2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut;3. Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut;4. Division of General Dentistry, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut |
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| Abstract: | The oral cavity is exposed to the external environment and from a very young age is colonized by infectious agents. Under certain circumstances including poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, trauma, and the use of antibiotics, oral infections can occur. They can result in damage to the oral cavity including teeth and their support structures. Oral infections can also lead to the extension of infection into surrounding tissues and to systemic infections. Chronic oral infection is a recognized risk factor for heart disease. Older adults are at high risk for oral infections and associated complications. Tooth loss, for which infection is the most significant cause, leads to cosmetic changes and a decreased ability to masticate certain foods that can lead to malnutrition. Chronic oral infections and the manipulation of teeth and supporting structures can lead to the hematogenous spread of infection including the infection of artificial joints and endocardial implants. Good oral hygiene, the use of fluoride, regular dental care, and the appropriate use of antibiotics can all reduce oral infections and their associated complications. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:411–416, 2020 |
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| Keywords: | oral health dental caries periodontitis endocarditis prosthetic joint infection |
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