A new study published in JAMA Network Open has found that providing daily toothbrushing for patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) significantly reduces their risk of developing hospital-acquired pneumonia. [1] This simple intervention could prevent thousands of pneumonia cases and save many lives.
Toothbrushing Linked to Lower Pneumonia Rates
Researchers analyzed medical records from over 7,500 ICU patients across 6 hospitals in Connecticut. Patients who received assistance with oral care like toothbrushing had much lower rates of hospital-acquired pneumonia. [2]
The results showed:
- A 37% lower risk of developing pneumonia overall
- A 44% lower risk for mechanically ventilated patients
- A 17% decrease in 60-day mortality rate for ICU patients
Dr. Vineet Chopra, lead author of the study, said: “Pneumonia is a common and deadly complication affecting hospitalized patients. Oral hygiene is often overlooked in busy ICUs. But our findings suggest brushing teeth can save lives by preventing pneumonia.” [3]
Why Toothbrushing Protects Against Infection
Poor oral health allows bacteria to accumulate in the mouth. This creates an easy pathway for germs to enter the lungs when a patient breathes, talks, coughs, or uses a ventilator. [4]
Regular toothbrushing removes plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums. This prevents respiratory pathogens from reaching the lower airways and causing pneumonia. [5]
ICU patients are especially vulnerable due to:
- Weakened immunity from illness/injury
- Limited mobility and oral cleaning ability
- Breathing tubes that bypass body’s defenses
Therefore improving oral hygiene is critical to lower infection risk.
Hospitals Begin Adopting Toothbrushing Protocols
Hospitals across the country are starting to implement daily oral care protocols to protect patients after the convincing evidence from this research. [6]
The study showed toothbrushing only takes a couple of minutes and requires no expensive equipment – just a basic toothbrush, toothpaste, and water. So improving oral hygiene is feasible for any hospital ICU. [7]
Dr. Chopra remarked:
“This is one of the first investigations showing an extremely simple, safe, effective, and affordable way of preventing hospital infections. I expect daily oral hygiene will soon become standard practice in ICUs worldwide.”
Future Impact
With up to 300,000 Americans affected by hospital-acquired pneumonia each year, increased toothbrushing could have profound impacts on outcomes. [8] [9]
| Measure | Potential Improvement |
|---|---|
| Pneumonia cases prevented | >100,000 per year in US alone |
| ICU mortality rate | 15-20% relative decrease |
| Hospital costs saved | >$2 billion per year |
As Dr. Chopra concluded: “What we’ve found has far-reaching clinical, economic and public health implications. Simply having ICU patients brush their teeth could save tens of thousands of lives and billions of dollars annually.”
Sources
[1] https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/pneumonia/daily-hospital-toothbrushing-may-reduce-pneumonia
[2] https://www.axios.com/2023/12/19/toothbrush-hospital-infections
[3] https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/12/how-a-toothbrush-can-save-lives-in-the-icu/
[4] https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/how-toothbrushing-helps-combat-pneumonia-1046099/amp/
[5] https://www.sciencealert.com/brushing-teeth-appears-to-protect-against-pneumonia-study-finds
[6] https://kjzz.org/content/1866193/toothbrushing-linked-lower-hospital-acquired-pneumonia-rates-icus
[7] https://www.healthday.com/healthpro-news/pulmonology/daily-toothbrushing-cuts-hospital-acquired-pneumonia
[8] https://www.healthday.com/health-news/dental-care/your-toothbrush-could-be-a-life-saver-in-the-hospital
[9] https://www.healio.com/news/primary-care/20231218/brushing-teeth-may-lower-risk-for-hospitalacquired-pneumonia
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