Journal of periodontology
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Journal of periodontology · Sep 2006
ReviewSystematic review of the association between respiratory diseases and oral health.
The purpose of this review was to investigate evidence for a possible etiological association between oral health and pneumonia or other respiratory diseases. ⋯ 1) There is fair evidence (II-2, grade B recommendation) of an association of pneumonia with oral health (odds ratio [OR]=1.2 to 9.6 depending on oral health indicators). 2) There is poor evidence of a weak association (OR<2.0) between COPD and oral health (II-2/3, grade C recommendation). 3) There is good evidence (I, grade A recommendation) that improved oral hygiene and frequent professional oral health care reduces the progression or occurrence of respiratory diseases among high-risk elderly adults living in nursing homes and especially those in intensive care units (ICUs) (number needed to treat [NNT]=2 to 16; relative risk reduction [RRR]=34% to 83%).