What is a reported benefit of implementing oral hygiene protocols in nursing facilities and dependent care settings?

• A. Decreases incidence of pneumonia
• B. Increases plaque formation
• C. Has no effect on systemic health
• D. Eliminates all plaque in one week

Answer: (A)

Maintaining oral hygiene protocols in nursing facilities reduces the bacterial load in the mouth, which matters because in dependent older adults, oral bacteria can be aspirated into the lungs and cause pneumonia. Regular brushing, denture care, and mouth care lower colonization by respiratory pathogens, and this has been reported to lower the incidence of pneumonia in long-term care settings. It’s not about increasing plaque; it’s about reducing it through consistent care. The idea that oral hygiene has no effect on systemic health isn’t supported by evidence showing links between mouth health and respiratory infection risk. And you can’t expect to eliminate all plaque in a week—the mouth’s biofilm persists and requires ongoing, routine care.