Lack of oral hygiene could increase the chance of ventilator-associated pneumonia

The findings of a new study suggest that oral hygiene — or a lack of it — could influence which patients develop a complication known as ventilator-associated pneumonia after being placed on a mechanical ventilator. Being on one of these machines allows oral bacteria to enter the lungs, and poor oral hygiene likely increases this risk. Looking at data from nearly 9,300 Medicaid patients who had been on a ventilator for at least 48 hours, the study from oral health company DentaQuest found that an oral hygiene checkup in the previous year reduced the likelihood of VAP. Specifically, those who had a preventive dental visit in the three years prior to the study were 22% less likely to develop VAP. Black patients and men were more likely to develop VAP. As Covid-19 has resulted in a surge in patients being placed on ventilators, and the findings underscore the importance of regular oral health checkups, the report states.