Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Care for Adults Experiencing Trauma

Evaluating Effectiveness of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Care for Adults

Examine the use of 0.12% Chlorhexidine Gluconate as an adjunct to current oral care protocol for trauma patients on ventilator support to decrease the incidence of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia and oral bacterial load.

To see a significant decrease in the bacterial load in the oral mucosa and subsequently, a decrease in the pathogenesis of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia through the use of an oral rinse containing 0.12% Chlorhexidine Gluconate as part of an oral care protocol. Current oral care protocol includes the use of 1.5% H2O2-coated swabs every four hours, toothbrushing with toothpaste every 12 hours, and use of continuous subglottic suction apparatus.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults admitted to ICUs located in Tower Two Critical Care Units: Medical, Surgical, Medical #2, and Trauma Intensive Care Units.
• Patients will be randomized to either treatment or standard group based on day of admission to Intensive Care Units. No limitation regarding gender, race, and ethnicity so that the sample will reflect "typical" Trauma population.

Exclusion Criteria:

• All patients admitted under "Doe" Status
• All patients with acute cervical spine injuries or facial fractures that oral care will create further harm to the patient (physician order stating "no oral care to be given" will be in chart)
• All patients with Oral Trauma or Oral Surgery
• All minors (Study will be completed in Adult Critical Care Units)
• Patients with allergy to chlorhexidine
• Patients without Teeth, or with fewer than 6 teeth