Toothbrushing Lowers Risk for Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia

Toothbrushing was associated with significantly lower risks for HAP in patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), thought to be triggered by aspiration of oral flora, is the most common nosocomial infection and is associated with adverse outcomes. Chlorhexidine oral care has been a standard part of HAP prevention bundles for many years, but clinicians have begun to question this practice because of lack of convincing evidence that it prevents HAP. Toothbrushing has emerged as an alternative strategy. In this meta-analysis of 15 randomized trials, researchers determined whether daily toothbrushing lowered risks for HAP and other adverse outcomes.

Nearly 2800 patients (≈80% in intensive care units [ICUs]) were included in the analysis. Intervention groups received toothbrushing and tongue brushing with chlorhexidine or p…

Reviewing Authors

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

Toothbrushing Lowers Risk for Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia

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Reviewing Authors