Research shows vulnerable patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) who received enhanced oral care from a dentist were at significantly less risk for developing a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), like ventilator-associated pneumonia, during their stay. The study was published in the November issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients often cannot manage their dental care due to their condition and the need for specialized medical attention. In these cases, the responsibility often falls on healthcare professionals to provide oral care, including brushing and cleaning the teeth and gums, to prevent the development of infections that can have serious health consequences. This is why the earlier study highlights the importance of enhanced oral care from a dentist for ICU patients, as it can significantly reduce the risk of respiratory infections.