Brushing your teeth is an important component of daily health. It keeps your teeth clean and provides protection against cavities and other forms of tooth decay. While there are many benefits to toothbrushing, a recent report emphasizes on just how important it is particularly when individuals are hospitalized. An article from Dr. Michael Klompas’ group at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (part of the Massachusetts General Brigham healthcare system) concluded that brushing your teeth can also help prevent pneumonia when hospitalized.
The new study published in Jama Internal Medicine investigated whether toothbrushing among patients in the hospital was associated with lower rate of pneumonia. To determine this correlation, Klompas and his group analyzed data from 15 randomized clinical trials that included a combination of more than 27,000 patients. The group identified patients that brushed their teeth compared to those that did not. They found that patients that did not brush their teeth had higher rate of hospital-associated pneumonia. This finding was particularly true for those that were on mechanical ventilation.
Klompas and his team conducted a meta-analysis to determine the association between hospital-associated pneumonia and toothbrushing. Big datasets were combed through and analyzed to determine effective oral care in hospitals and whether this had an effect on patients. They found that not only does the lack of toothbrushing increase pneumonia rates, but it also increases intensive care unit (ICU) mortality rates. Additionally, a daily toothbrushing routine resulted in fewer days in the ICU and less time on a ventilator. The analyzed clinical trials comprised of adults in the ICU and their toothbrushing habits.
Klompas notes that the simple act of toothbrushing can save lives at an incredible rate. Dr. Klompas is an epidemiologist and infectious disease physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in the Department of Medicine. Klompas further asserts that an inexpensive and effective method to prevent hospital-associated pneumonia is not commonly found. Such an easy prevention method is why it is so revolutionary and necessary when healthcare providers take care of patients.
Hospital-associated pneumonia occurs when bacteria enter the lungs. Often this bacteria is from the mouth and infects the airways, which is why researchers see such a difference with toothbrushing in patients on a mechanical ventilator. Patients in the hospital are already susceptible to illness due to weakened immune systems. Additionally, brushing your teeth seems like a low priority for both the patient and staff. However, through toothbrushing, bacteria buildup in the mouth can be reduced and help by preventing infection of the respiratory tract.
Klompas and his team have more concretely defined the importance of toothbrushing in ICU patients. They demonstrated that hospital healthcare providers should maintain a toothbrushing routine for all patients, particularly those on a ventilator to reduce the risk of pneumonia, which could lead to mortality. Although, the research did not extend to non-ICU patients, the conclusion indicates that brushing your teeth while in the hospital should become a priority for better health. Due to a weakened immune system, it is critical to reduce all chances of infection and toothbrushing is one preventative measure. Overall, we can all take control of our health by maintaining a daily toothbrushing routine, particularly when we are in the hospital.
Article, Michael Klompas, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Brigham, Jama Internal Medicine
