By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM
I recently read the article, “The Surprising Cause of Hospital Acquired Pneumonia,” by Mark Ray. The article discussed how hospital-acquired infections are among the most common hospital-related complications affecting one in 25 patients, according to The New England Journal of Medicine. And these infections are largely preventable.
Within 48 hours of a hospitalization, bacteria can take over microorganisms in the mouth, causing problems, often getting into the lungs and causing pneumonia. Forty-eight hours is not a long time. I have been hospitalized and went close to 72 hours without brushing (nor was I offered or asked to brush) my teeth and nothing happened, other than having a terrible taste in my mouth!
The difference with older adults in the hospital or in a long-term care setting (nursing homes), is that older adults can be immobile for extended periods of time, may be on medications that cause dry mouth, and/or go extended periods of time drinking very few fluids, therefore creating an increased risk of bacteria.
Not only in hospitals is daily oral care often the least important concern to focus on. Unfortunately, I have witnessed the same in many long-term care settings. Brushing teeth is low on the list of priorities. In fact, oral care is often considered a comfort measure, like brushing hair.
Various studies and research have been done on the differences oral care can make in reducing non-ventilator hospital acquired pneumonia. For example, at Sutter Medical Center, a nurse-led oral program was implemented and increased oral care to three times a day per patient. The hospital went from an average of 16-20 non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia cases per month to less than six.
Individuals and/or family members can advocate for themselves or their loved one, not only in hospitals but in long-term care, assisted living, and memory care settings. Especially now that there are so many staffing shortages and ongoing COVID-related closures, it is important to advocate for good oral care.
Most individuals can or would participate in oral care with prompting, encouragement, and access to proper dental supplies. Talk to the nurses and staff about your loved one’s oral care. Ask that it be done two to three times a day. Bring in supplies such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash, in addition to a clean and labeled container to keep the supplies together.
Ask, remind and encourage your loved one to brush their teeth or notify the staff that they want to brush daily. Those who can’t get out of bed might need a suction toothbrush. Ask and check in with the nurse or staff on how tooth brushing is going with your loved one. If possible, observe whether the toothpaste and toothbrush are being used. If it’s not getting done, be sure to ask the staff why it’s not getting done. Consider assisting your loved one with oral care when you are visiting and inform the nursing staff of what works best with your loved one to ensure that it gets done.
If simple oral care can reduce non-ventilator hospital acquired pneumonia, and improve comfort and quality of life, then we must advocate for ourselves and/or our loved ones to ensure that this simple task be completed daily.
Original Article: https://www.northeastohioboomer.com/blogger/news-flash-brushing-your-teeth-can-keep-you-out-of-the-hospital/