Effectiveness of toothbrushing as a replacement for chlorhexidine in oral care, combined with head elevation for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units: interrupted time-series analysis

Eunbyeol Jo; Seongman Bae; Seung Hee Ryu; Soyeon Park; Miseo Kim; Jayoung Kim; Hyunju Lee; Subeen Moon; Jeeyoon Kim; Jiwon Jung; Yong Chong

doi:10.1186/s13054-026-05936-8

March 6, 2026Critical CareOpen Access

Effectiveness of toothbrushing as a replacement for chlorhexidine in oral care, combined with head elevation for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units: interrupted time-series analysis

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Key Points

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of toothbrushing as a substitute for chlorhexidine in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia in ICUs.
Utilized interrupted time-series analysis to assess VAP incidence.
Implemented toothbrushing-based oral care as a routine practice.
Incorporated enhanced head elevation (HOBE) during patient care.
Observed a lower incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia after the intervention.
Demonstrated the feasibility of integrating toothbrush-based care in routine ICU protocols.

Implication

Interrupted time-series analysis shows lower pneumonia incidence in ICU with toothbrushing and head elevation, indicating a feasible oral care method.

Abstract

Implementation of toothbrushing-based oral care combined with reinforced HOBE was followed by lower VAP incidence in the primary ITS analysis, supporting the feasibility of these aspiration-prevention measures in routine ICU practice.

Discussion

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Cite This Study

Jo et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69ada804bc08abd80d5bb330 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-026-05936-8

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Effectiveness of toothbrushing as a replacement for chlorhexidine in oral care, combined with head elevation for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units: interrupted time-series analysis

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Effectiveness of toothbrushing as a replacement for chlorhexidine in oral care, combined with head elevation for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units: interrupted time-series analysis

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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