A new study reports that nearly half of falls by older folks are caused by an infection. Falls are one of the leading cause of death for those over 75 years of age, due to complications arising from a fracture.

So what kind of infections are involved? 44% were urinary tract infections, 39% were bloodstream infections, 23% respiratory and 9% were infections of the heart valve.

What has this got to do with dental care? A search on PubMed says there is very little observed relationship between infections in the mouth and falls by the elderly. But a recent study reports that Streptococcus mutans, one of the key initiators of dental decay, is also a dominant microorganism in the atherosclerotic plaque of patients with risks of coronary disease. Other studies have reported the same finding. So, what happens in the mouth, contributes to infection in the body, and thereby, perhaps to risks of a fall.

About 1 in 10 falls by the elderly which are associated with infection are related to infected heart valves. The bacteremia effects of poor oral health and endocarditis are well known. But perhaps there are other consequences in an aging population.

For more information, please visit: http://partnersinprevention.ca/falls-by-the-elderly-and-poor-oral-health/.

By: Ross Perry
SOURCED: Partners In Prevention – http://partnersinprevention.ca/