Effectiveness of Dental Brushing for Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

Effectiveness of Dental Brushing for Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

Poor oral hygiene is associated with respiratory pathogen colonization and secondary lung infection.The possible association between oral care and incidence of VAP, and the role of dental plaque, mouth and tracheal colonization have not been firmly established. The investigators' hypothesis was that improving oral care with electrical toothbrushing might be effective in reducing the incidence of VAP.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult intubated patients
• Without evidence of pulmonary infection (randomized within 12h of intubation if they were expected to remain ventilated for longer than 48 hours)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Absence of dental pieces
• Current diagnosis of pneumonia or massive bronchoaspiration
• Tracheostomy (or expected within 48 hours)
• Chlorhexidine allergy