Effects of the bass brushing method on dental plaque and pneumonia in older adults hospitalized with pneumonia after discharge: A randomized controlled trial

Aim The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of the Bass brushing method on dental plaque and pneumonia in older adults hospitalized with pneumonia after discharge. Background Poor oral hygiene may lead to pneumonia. Complications of pneumonia in older adults can be life-threatening during hospitalization and after discharge. Methods Older adults hospitalized with pneumonia (n = 30) were randomly assigned to intervention (with the Bass brushing method; n = 15) or control (with usual care; n = 15) groups. Dental plaque index and pneumonia as detected on chest x-rays were evaluated prior to the intervention (baseline) and every month for six months after discharge. Results Participants in the intervention group experienced a sustained reduction in dental plaque from the fourth to the sixth months (p = .024; p = .025; p = .000, respectively) that was not found in the control group. There were no group differences in detected pneumonia throughout the follow-up period. Pneumonia as detected on the chest x-rays at baseline (p = .001) and dental plaque index (p = .021) were significant predictors of the risk of pneumonia across groups. Conclusions The Bass brushing method is a simple and effective oral hygiene practice that reduces dental plaque in older adults hospitalized with pneumonia after discharge.