Oral Care Effect on Intubated Patient with 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Tooth Brushing in Intensive Care Unit.

Aims and Objectives: Ventilator-associated pneumonia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the effectiveness of oral care with both tooth brushing and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate compared to 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate alone for the intubated patient in an intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and Methods: Patient screening was done over a period of two months. After taking informed consent, those ICU patients were divided into two groups. Only nine subjects were enrolled. During the study, thrice daily oral care consisted of tooth brushing and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate with the experimental group (N = 4). The control group got oral care with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate alone thrice a day. The data were analysed by IBM statistical software SPPS, version 24. Results: Preliminary results suggest that the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intubated patients can be reduced by maintaining thrice-daily oral care involving both tooth brushing and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate. Conclusion: Thrice-daily oral care consisted of both tooth brushing and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate might be a promise as a ventilator-associated pneumonia-reduction strategy in ICU. Furthermore, studies required for it application widely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]