Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Three Oral Hygiene Protocols on Oral Bacteria in Intensive Care Patients

Patients in intensive care may develop changes in the bacteria found in their mouths. Some of these bacteria can cause infections, and patients who cannot clean their own teeth depend on staff to provide oral care. This study compares three oral hygiene protocols to assess their effects on potentially harmful bacteria in the mouths of intensive care patients. All three protocols include cleaning the mouth with a toothbrush or sponge and fluoride toothpaste. One protocol uses this cleaning alone, one adds chlorhexidine, and one adds hexetidine. Chlorhexidine and hexetidine are antiseptics used to reduce microorganisms in the mouth. Trained nursing staff provide oral care twice daily. Saliva samples are collected before the first study oral care procedure, within 24 hours of intensive care admission, and again on the third day. The samples are examined to identify and count selected bacteria and yeasts. Bacteria are also tested for resistance to antibiotics. The study also examines whether antibiotic use, previous hospital stays, the type of breathing support, and oral hygiene at admission are associated with the presence of these microorganisms. The findings may help improve oral care protocols for intensive care patients.