Toothbrushing Linked to Significant Reduction in Mortality Rates Among Hospitalized Patients

New research published in JAMA Internal Medicine underscores the life-saving potential of a simple and common practice — toothbrushing. The study, based on an analysis of 15 studies involving over 2,700 patients, primarily in the intensive care unit (ICU) and on ventilators, reveals compelling outcomes for patients incorporating toothbrushing into their daily routine.

Striking Health Benefits Unveiled

Patients included in the research were randomly assigned to either undergo toothbrushing or not. The findings demonstrated a noteworthy connection between toothbrushing and improved health outcomes. Daily toothbrushing was associated with a 33% reduction in the risk of pneumonia, a nearly two-day decrease in ICU stay, and a remarkable 20% drop in mortality rates.

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Study co-author Michael Klompas, an infectious disease physician and hospital epidemiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, expressed enthusiasm about the simplicity and effectiveness of toothbrushing in a hospital setting. He remarked, “To find something that’s simple, that’s common, that’s cheap and that’s so effective is pretty amazing.”

The research emphasizes the significance of oral care because pneumonia, a common hospital-acquired infection, can be caused by bacteria in the mouth entering the lungs. Klompas highlighted the high mortality rate associated with pneumonia and the potential of toothbrushing to mitigate this risk.

Thomas Van Dyke, Vice President for Clinical and Translational Research at the American Dental Association’s Forsyth Institute, reinforced the importance of oral care, particularly for older and frail patients, based on more than a decade of research. He noted that while oral care is established in ICUs, toothbrushing is not consistently included.

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Implications for Broader Patient Groups

While the impact of toothbrushing on ICU patients is well-documented, the study raises questions about its application to other patient groups. Klompas emphasized the need for further research in this direction, stating, “One big question mark is how does this apply to patients outside the ICU.”

Van Dyke acknowledged the existing gap, suggesting that about two-thirds of hospitals include toothbrushing in oral care practices, leaving room for improvement. He highlighted the challenge of integrating dental care into broader medical practices and urged for policy changes in hospitals and nursing homes.

Klompas and Van Dyke agree that despite the proven benefits, toothbrushing is not universally integrated into hospital care. Klompas stated, “So there is room to grow over there.” Van Dyke added that insurance companies might play a role in advocating for this practice due to its potential to reduce hospital stays and associated costs.

Read the study: Association Between Daily Toothbrushing and Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis