The impact of hospitalization on oral health: a systematic review

Abstract

Hospitalization is associated with a deterioration in oral health, particularly in intubated patients.

The impact of hospitalization on periodontal health status: an observational study

“…This change of behavior can contribute to deterioration of oral health status after only a short period of hospitalization. Moreover, the systematic reviews conducted by Sjögren 7 and Terezakis et al 9 , both using longitudinal, observational studies in ICUs, suggested deterioration of oral health after hospital admission, with an accumulation of dental biofilm due to a lack of oral hygiene and gingivitis.…”

“…the patients' periodontal health status deteriorated within five to 10 days. The onset of the initial signs of gingivitis (swelling, redness and bleeding gingiva) and the formation of calculus in these patients is related to the accumulation of bacterial biofilm and inadequate oral hygiene over the course of the stay in hospital 6,[8][9] .…”

“…Studies evaluating the association between hospitalization and oral health have been conducted, mainly in Intensive Care Units (ICU) [6][7]9 . However, most of the patients are hospitalized in wards where the environment is different to an ICU.…”

“…During hospitalization, patients often neglect themselves, feel discouraged and even become physically or mentally incapacitated, and this may adversely affect their performance of oral hygiene care [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] . Oral hygiene negligence facilitates the accumulation of microorganisms in the form of biofilm, the etiological agent of oral conditions such as caries and periodontal disease 8,[10][11][12][13][14] .…”

How clean is your toothbrush?

“…The recent interest in the importance of good oral hygiene in relation to VAP, and the focus of attention on hospital acquired infections highlights the importance of clear recommendations both regarding appropriate oral care for hospitalised patents of any age, particularly in view of recent systematic review highlighting the negative impact of hospitalisation on oral health, 3 and the storage of toothbrushes in hospital environments. While storage issues for toothbrushes of healthy adults in the community may not be a particular concern, perhaps consideration should be given to the needs of the frailer members of the community.…”