Association between swallowing function and oral bacterial flora in independent community-dwelling elderly.

Background: Increasing incidences of swallowing dysfunction, or dysphagia, a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia, are being reported in aging populations.

Aims: To investigate the relationship between swallowing function and oral bacteria in independent, community-dwelling elderly.

Methods: This study recruited 139 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥ 70 years with poor swallowing function.