One more reason to brush your teeth?

Hospital-acquired pneumonia rates lower with twice-daily toothbrushing.

Here's a compelling reason to prioritize your oral hygiene: Hospital-acquired pneumonia rates decrease significantly with twice-daily toothbrushing. This noteworthy finding from recent Harvard-led research underscores the importance of dental care, not just for hospitalized patients, but for everyone.

Why would toothbrushing make any difference?

New Harvard-led research published online in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests seriously ill hospitalized patients are far less likely to develop hospital-acquired pneumonia if their teeth are brushed twice daily. They also need ventilators for less time, are able to leave the intensive care unit (ICU) more quickly, and are less likely to die in the ICU than patients without a similar toothbrushing regimen.

How was the study done?

The study, encompassing 15 randomized trials with nearly 2,800 participants, revealed striking benefits for seriously ill hospitalized patients who adhered to a regular toothbrushing regimen.

What were the findings?

Participants assigned to twice-daily toothbrushing were 33% less likely to develop hospital-acquired pneumonia, with even more pronounced effects observed in ventilated patients.

Additionally, those who brushed their teeth twice daily experienced shorter ventilator dependency, quicker discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU), and a 19% lower risk of ICU mortality compared to their counterparts without a similar oral care routine.

Toothbrushing plays a crucial role in preventing hospital-acquired pneumonia by removing harmful germs from the mouth. Pneumonia often originates from inhaling germs into the mouth, where they can multiply and cause infection. These germs comprise a diverse array of over 700 species, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes.

How exactly can toothbrushing prevent hospital-acquired pneumonia?

For ventilated patients, the risk of pneumonia is heightened due to the presence of a breathing tube inserted into the throat. This tube can transport bacteria deeper into the airway, increasing the likelihood of infection. Unlike non-ventilated individuals who can naturally expel some of these bacteria from their upper airways, ventilated patients lack this mechanism, making them more susceptible to pneumonia.

Regular toothbrushing helps to remove these harmful germs from the mouth, reducing the risk of pneumonia in hospitalized patients. By maintaining oral hygiene, particularly in ventilated patients, we can minimize the accumulation of bacteria and mitigate the potential for infection, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes and overall health.

While the precise mechanism behind this phenomenon is straightforward—removing bacteria that can lead to infections like pneumonia—the implications extend far beyond hospital settings. Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being, with numerous systemic health conditions linked to oral health status.

Therefore, whether you're in a hospital setting or not, prioritizing your dental hygiene is paramount. With over 300 diseases and conditions linked to oral health, including heart disease and diabetes, taking care of your teeth and gums isn't just about a bright smile—it's about safeguarding your overall health.

So, let's make toothbrushes a staple in our daily routines, recognizing their role in promoting not just oral health, but overall wellness. Whether it's twice daily brushing or adhering to other recommended oral hygiene practices, let's prioritize our dental health for a healthier future.