Consequences of Poor Oral Health

Approximately 95% of Americans who have diabetes also have periodontal disease (inflammation of gums and bones), making it more difficult to control their blood sugar.

Aspiration pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death among older adults.  Learn more about aspiration pneumonia.

Nursing home residents have on average 2 teeth with untreated cavities, and 1 in 4 adults over age 65 have severe gum disease.

Untreated oral diseases lead to serious infections that can also affect the rest of the body, such as infection of the lung (aspiration pneumonia) and infection of the heart (infective endocarditis).

Oral infections are easily treated in the early stages of disease which avoids more serious outcomes and costs.

Examples of oral infections are:

• Decay
• Periodontal (gum) disease

A smile showing broken, dirty, or missing teeth is embarrassing and reduces socialization.

Bad breath due to poor oral hygiene can also reduce the ability to socialize.

Teeth that are hurting can increase challenging responses.

Challenging responses may look like:

• Refusal to participate in oral care routines
• Becomming angry during oral care- see section Boredom, Types of Challenging Responses and Consider The Possible Cause for Challenging Responses for more information

Missing teeth make chewing and swallowing more difficult, which can limit food choices.