"A clinical trial published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that a structured oral care intervention, including toothbrushing, was associated with a 60% reduction in the incidence of non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia."
## Study Design and Participants
The randomized controlled trial involved 8,870 patients across three Australian hospitals. The study was led by researchers from Avondale University, with co-investigator Professor Jenny Sim from Australian Catholic University.
Patients in the intervention group received a toothbrush and toothpaste upon admission, along with educational resources for patients and staff. Healthcare workers assisted patients who needed help with oral care and audited the delivery of the intervention. The control group followed their standard oral care routines.
## Key Findings
- The proportion of patients who brushed their teeth increased from 16% to 62% in the intervention group.
- Intervention patients brushed an average of 1.5 times per day.
- Pneumonia infections decreased from approximately eight per month per typical ward of 30 patients to fewer than four per month.
## Background
Non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia occurs when bacteria from the mouth or throat are inhaled into the lungs.
This infection develops at least 48 hours after admission in patients not on ventilators, typically outside intensive care. According to study data, approximately 50,000 patients in Australian hospitals contract pneumonia each year, and about 1,900 die from it. The infection is rarely monitored or reported.
## Implications
"The authors suggest that daily toothbrushing reduces oral bacteria that can cause pneumonia."
They call for monitoring of non-ventilator hospital-acquired infections and inclusion of oral care in national infection-prevention guidelines. Study lead Professor Brett Mitchell stated the findings could shape clinical practice and guidelines globally.