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Pneumonia may be a risky disease in spite of its contemporary treatment with antibiotics. It is the fifth cause of death in the population. The morbidity rate of aspiration pneumonia caused by Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria from the oral cavity or throat is about 30%. The risk for aspiration pneumonia is much greater among alcoholics, intensive care patients, patients after stroke and nursing home residents. Dental plaque is a reservoir of microorganisms and a favourable milieu for the growth of respiratory pathogens. It is therefore possible that patients with periodontal disease are at a higher risk of aspiration pneumonia. The respiratory epithe­lium can be modified by enzymes and cytokines that are released during periodontal disease and enable the accumulation and multiplication of bacteria on its surface. Oral pathogens may be aspirated into the pulmonary airways and may cause a pulmonary infection. The health status of teeth and periodontal tissues, as well as proper oral hygiene are important preventative procedures for preventing pulmonary infections in high-risk patients.