Brushing Your Teeth Could Help Prevent a Deadly Hospital Infection : ScienceAlert

Brushing teeth can reduce the risk of non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia by 60%, according to a study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Researchers found that providing toothbrushes and education to 8,870 patients across three Australian hospitals significantly lowered infection rates by reducing bacterial build-up in the mouth.

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Newcastle, Monash University, and Queensland University of Technology, focused on non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia. This specific infection occurs in patients who are not on ventilators, typically outside of intensive care settings.

According to the research team, this type of pneumonia happens when bacteria from the throat or mouth are breathed into the lungs. Patients who develop the infection are around eight times more likely to die during their admission and stay in the hospital between 10 and 48 days longer.

How did the oral care intervention work?

The researchers implemented a “stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial” over 12 months at three hospitals. They introduced a simple intervention one ward at a time to test its effectiveness.

The process included providing patients with a toothbrush and toothpaste bag upon admission. Staff and patients received education on the importance of oral hygiene, and toothbrushes featured the prompt “Brush away pneumonia.”

Researchers also assisted patients who could not brush their own teeth and conducted audits to provide feedback to hospital wards. This approach increased the proportion of patients cleaning their teeth from 16% to 62%.

Why does toothbrushing prevent pneumonia?

The mouth contains billions of bacteria, which can build up on the tongue, gums, and teeth. According to the study authors, oral hygiene often declines when patients are sedated, immobile, unwell, or taking specific medications.

Daily brushing acts as a mechanical action that reduces this bacterial build-up. This prevents tiny amounts of bacteria from being inhaled into the lungs, which is the primary cause of non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia.

What happens next for hospital guidelines?

The researchers state that their findings challenge the assumption that hospital-acquired pneumonia is an unavoidable complication. They suggest that hospitals may need to monitor non-ventilator infections similarly to how they track pressure injuries or falls.

The study’s results could lead to the inclusion of oral care in national infection-prevention guidelines and standard nursing practices. Increasing the availability of oral care products may be a possible next step for hospital administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia?
It is a lung infection that occurs in patients not using a ventilator, usually outside of intensive care, caused by inhaling bacteria from the mouth or throat.

How much did the risk of pneumonia decrease in the study?
The risk was reduced by 60%, dropping from an average of eight infections per month on a typical 30-patient ward to fewer than four.

What can patients do to protect themselves in the hospital?
Patients can bring their own toothbrush and toothpaste, brush twice daily, ask staff for assistance if needed, and remind staff if oral care is missed.

Do you believe basic hygiene protocols are sufficiently prioritized in modern hospital settings?