Sleeping with Dentures Increases Pneumonia Risk
A recent study published in the Journal of Dental Research suggests that individuals who sleep with their dentures in their mouth are at a higher risk for pneumonia than those who remove dentures before going to sleep.
Poor oral health is a risk factor for pneumonia in older adults so the authors of this study compared 524 randomly selected seniors and analyzed them in regards to their oral health. Overall, 453 participants wore dentures and 186 wore them at night. The results indicated that those who wore dentures at night were at an increased risk for pneumonia.
The higher risk of pneumonia was related to higher risks of cognitive impairment, respiratory disease, and history of strokes. Those who wore their dentures at night were also more likely to have gum inflammation and denture plaque.
Denture wearers may want to consider removing dentures at night and soaking them in a denture cleaner or other non-abrasive cleaning solution that is safe for dentures.
Source: http://dentistrytoday.com/todays-dental-news/10697-sleeping-with-dentures-increases-pneumonia-risk
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd. Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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