Pneumonia & Oral Health: The Dangerous Link

How the Mouth Impacts the Lungs

Bacteria from gum disease and plaque don’t stay in the mouth. When inhaled, they can reach the lungs and cause aspiration pneumonia, a leading cause of death in elderly and nursing home residents.
(Oral biofilms, periodontitis, and pulmonary infections, 2008)

What the Research Says

Studies show that consistent oral hygiene dramatically lowers pneumonia risk. In nursing homes, structured mouth care routines reduced pneumonia hospitalizations by as much as 60%. The reason: brushing and cleaning the tongue remove harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Porphyromonas gingivalis before they reach the lungs.

Prevention in Action

Daily brushing, tongue cleaning, and regular dental visits make a measurable difference. For older adults or those in care facilities, caregiver-assisted oral hygiene is one of the most effective, evidence-backed methods to prevent lung infections.

The Feno Smartbrush™ makes this essential care easier and more effective. Its TrueFit Mouthpiece with 18,000 bristles ensures a full-mouth clean in just 20 seconds, removing bacterial buildup that can lead to pneumonia. For caregivers and older adults, this means better oral hygiene with less effort—and a powerful tool to help reduce respiratory infection risk.