Dysphagia, aspiration, and oral health: Occupational therapy’s role

Frequent completion of oral care is crucial in reducing oral bacteria. Oral hygiene that is not completed frequently in individuals with dysphagia can lead to aspiration of harmful oral bacteria and development of aspiration pneumonia (Kikutani et al., 2015). Aspiration pneumonia can result in repeated hospitalizations or pulmonary damage, and it can even be fatal. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) play a valuable role in dysphagia management and addressing oral health as an important aspect of ADLs.