Hospital-acquired pneumonia reduced by daily toothbrushing

A large randomized controlled trial conducted in three Australian hospitals has found that daily toothbrushing during hospital stays can reduce the risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia by 60 percent. The study involved 8,870 patients and provided some with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental care advice, highlighting the significant impact of oral hygiene on preventing pneumonia. This form of pneumonia, which develops at least 48 hours after admission, is a common and serious healthcare-associated infection linked to longer hospital stays, increased costs, and higher mortality rates. Hospital-acquired pneumonia is often associated with ventilated patients, but many non-ventilated patients also develop the infection, and the reasons for this remain unclear. Researchers suspect that changes in the oral microbiome during hospitalization contribute to the risk, as bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs. The trial’s lead researcher, Brett Mitchell from Avondale University, emphasized the importance of communication with patients about oral care and pneumonia prevention, noting that many patients do not brush their teeth in hospital due to lack of motivation, physical ability, or access to dental supplies. The study, part of the Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia Prevention (HAPPEN) project, divided participants into groups receiving different interventions over time, including specially designed toothbrushes for patients with reduced dexterity and educational materials accessible via QR codes. These findings underscore the potential of simple, low-cost interventions like routine oral hygiene to prevent serious infections in hospital settings. Experts like Michael Klompas from Harvard University, who was not involved in the study, have highlighted the scarcity of rigorous data on pneumonia prevention, making these results particularly valuable for improving patient care protocols.