The importance of the dental surgeon in preventing pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation in the ICU

Abstract

The health of the oral cavity is closely related to systemic health, therefore, the prevention and control of biofilm can reduce the amount of microorganisms present in the oral cavity of patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Therefore, it is essential that hospitalized patients receive comprehensive care, including specialized care from the dentist, who must be part of the multidisciplinary clinical team in the ICU. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections in intensive care unit patients. This is characterized by lung infection 48 hours after orotracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation. Due to the fact that (VAP) has a high prevalence in patients under ICU care, increasing length of stay and increasing healthcare costs, prevention brings benefits to the patient, in addition to saving financial resources. The dental surgeon plays a fundamental role in the prevention and treatment of VAP and other infections that can affect the patient during hospitalization, carrying out interventions to prevent, treat and identify possible oral infections. Furthermore, the dentist can develop na action plan that includes the implementation of oral hygiene standard operating procedures (POPS) that are appropriate and individualized for each patient. Once developed, training and supervision of the assistant team must be carried out to apply this protocol. The importance of the insertion of the dental surgeon in the hospital environment is unquestionable and is increasingly defended in the literature, therefore, in practice, their performance still faces limitations and challenges, such as the lack of inclusion, the unpreparedness of professionals and the restricted approach to the topic. At graduation. A standard dental operating procedure must be discussed and developed in conjunction with the team of physiotherapists, nurses, intensive care physician, clinical pharmacist and the Hospital Infection Control Committee, taking into account the profile of patients and their limitations, costs and the availability of materials and products present in the institution.