Keeping teeth clean could be more than just good oral hygiene—it might also help prevent pneumonia in hospital patients, suggests a new analysis of over 2,700 individuals. Selina Ehrenzeller and Michael Klompas, epidemiologists specializing in infectious disease at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, conducted a comprehensive review of 15 clinical trials to investigate the impact of daily toothbrushing on pneumonia rates.
Despite the intuitive connection between oral hygiene and respiratory health, previous evidence on this topic has been conflicting, especially among hospitalized patients who may require assistance with dental care. To address this gap, Ehrenzeller and Klompas analyzed data from thousands of patients and found a clear association between daily toothbrushing and reduced incidence of hospital-acquired pneumonia.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia is a serious and potentially life-threatening lung infection, particularly dangerous for already-ill patients. With rates ranging from 1 in 50 to 1 in 200 hospital admissions worldwide, this infection poses significant risks, especially in environments where drug-resistant superbugs are prevalent.
By incorporating toothbrushing into patient care protocols, hospitals may have a simple and cost-effective strategy for improving oral health and reducing pneumonia cases. This research highlights the importance of oral hygiene in overall health and underscores the potential benefits of proactive dental care in healthcare settings.