論文種別 総説
言語種別 英語
査読の有無 その他(不明)
表題 Oral Care Strategies to Suppress Salivary Bacterial Growth for the Prevention of Aspiration Pneumonia in Older Individuals Requiring Long-Term Care.
掲載誌名 正式名:Cureus
略  称:Cureus
ISSNコード:21688184/21688184
掲載区分国外
巻・号・頁 17(8),pp.e90547
著者・共著者 Madoka Funahara, Yuki Sakamoto, Ryuichiro Funahara, Sakiko Soutome
発行年月 2025/08
概要 Japan's aging population faces a significant gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy, during which many older adults require long-term care and are at high risk of aspiration pneumonia, a leading cause of death. Aspiration pneumonia arises from the interaction of saliva-borne bacteria, aspiration events, and immune decline. Toothbrushing, while essential for oral health, may transiently increase bacterial counts, especially in those unable to rinse or gargle. Combining brushing with moisturizing gel and povidone-iodine gel effectively suppresses bacterial load, reducing pneumonia risk. Tailored oral care based on swallowing function, along with maintaining oral function through dental treatment, is crucial to prevent aspiration pneumonia in older adults requiring nursing care. This review highlights that increased salivary bacterial load, a key factor in pneumonia risk, is more strongly linked to reduced oral function (e.g., decreased tongue pressure and swallowing ability) than to poor oral hygiene alone.
DOI 10.7759/cureus.90547
PMID 40978903