ORAL HEALTH IN PATIENTS ADMITTED TO THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT: PARTICULARITIES, DENTAL PERFORMANCE AND PREVENTION OF VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66104/trjkhj07

Keywords:

Oral health, ICU, Biofilm, Ventilator-associated pneumonia, Oral hygiene

Abstract

The oral health of patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICU) presents specific challenges, culminating in an increased risk of nosocomial infections. The oral cavity, compromised by factors such as deep sedation and mechanical ventilation, rapidly transforms into a reservoir of pathogens, favoring the aspiration of secretions and the subsequent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP). This review article delves into: (1) the physiopathological particularities of the critical patient's oral health and the mechanisms of oropharyngeal colonization; (2) the irreplaceable role of the dental surgeon in the ICU team, detailing their preventive interventions; (3) the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance facilitated by oral biofilm; and (4) the latest evidence on the effectiveness of oral hygiene protocols combining mechanical removal and antiseptic agents in reducing VAP. It is concluded that the institutionalization of rigorous oral hygiene protocols including toothbrushing, supervised or performed by a hospital dentist, and the judicious use of antiseptics (mainly 0.12% chlorhexidine) are cost-effective measures that drastically reduce the incidence of VAP. It is crucial, however, that further studies focus on the impact of these interventions on outcomes such as mortality, length of stay, and the emergence of bacterial resistance.

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Author Biographies

  • Derlano Bentes Capucho , Boa Vista Municipal Government - Roraima

    Degree in Dentistry from the University Center of the State of Pará - CESUPA (2003). He is a Specialist in Restorative Dentistry from the Brazilian Dental Association, Amazonas Section - ABO/AM (2006). He holds a Master's degree in Health Sciences - PROCISA from the Federal University of Roraima/UFRR (2018). He is the former President of the Regional Council of Dentistry of Roraima - CRO/RR (Biennium from July 14, 2016, to July 13, 2018). He is a Specialist in Orofacial Harmonization - Biocursos/SBTI/FaSerra (2023). He is a Dentist for the Government of the State of Roraima and the Municipality of Boa Vista. He has experience in the Health area (Dentistry), with emphasis on Oral Microbiology, Social and Preventive Dentistry, and Molecular Biology, working mainly on the following themes: Prevention, Care, Dental Treatment, Oral Microbiota, Genetic Analysis, and Special Needs Patients (PcD), Restorative Dentistry, and Orofacial Harmonization (HOF).

  • Márcia Brazão e Silva Brandão, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Roraima (IFRR)

    PhD in Biodiversity and Biotechnology from the Biodiversity Network of the Legal Amazon - Bionorte (UFRR). Master’s in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents from the Federal University of Pará - UFPA (2004). Biomedical Scientist from the Federal University of Pará (2002). She works in the following areas: Clinical and Environmental Microbiology, bioethics, and intellectual property. Professor in the Master's Program in Vocational and Technological Education - ProfEPT, in the Educational Practices research line. Director of Research, Graduate Studies, and Innovation at the Boa Vista Campus of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Roraima (IFRR).

  • Fabiana Granja , Federal University of Roraima (UFRR)

    Associate Professor - Level 4, based at the Center for Biodiversity Studies (CBio) of the Federal University of Roraima (UFRR). She holds a Bachelor's degree and a Teaching Degree in Biological Sciences and a PhD in Clinical Medicine from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) (2005). She completed a Post-doctorate at the Laboratory of Emerging Virus Studies (LEVE), Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology, and Immunology at the Institute of Biology, UNICAMP. She has experience in Genetics and Molecular Biology, conducts research in microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics applied to the study of Biodiversity, and coordinates the Molecular Biology Laboratory of the Center for Biodiversity Studies (LaBMol - CBio/UFRR).

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Published

2026-02-27

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 03 (2026): REMUNOM - ISSN 2178-6925

Section

Artigos

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Copyright (c) 2026 Derlano Bentes Capucho, Márcia Brazão e Silva Brandão, Fabiana Granja

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How to Cite

ORAL HEALTH IN PATIENTS ADMITTED TO THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT: PARTICULARITIES, DENTAL PERFORMANCE AND PREVENTION OF VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA. (2026). REMUNOM, 2(03), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.66104/trjkhj07