Question
Why is oral care vital in preventing aspiration pneumonia, especially in long-term care settings?
Answer
Oral care is more than a hygiene routine—it is a cornerstone of medical safety, particularly in nursing homes. Inadequate oral care contributes to bacterial overgrowth, which increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia, especially in populations with cognitive decline, such as those with dementia. These individuals often face additional challenges like reduced salivary flow and plaque accumulation, making consistent oral hygiene even more critical.
Nursing staff should tailor oral care practices to the patient’s functional and cognitive abilities. Standard recommendations include using a soft toothbrush with toothpaste and gently cleaning gums, even in edentulous patients. For individuals who cannot spit, suction toothbrushes may be necessary, while unconscious or severely impaired patients require specialized regimens. Reinforcing the importance of oral care as a clinical safety measure helps reduce hospitalization rates and supports a higher quality of life for residents.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Dysphagia Education in SNFs: Effective Partnering With Non-SLP Staff, presented by Gopika Shah, M.A., CCC-SLP.
