EFFICACY OF ORAL CARE PROTOCOLS IN PREVENTING CLINICAL COMPLICATIONS IN INTENSIVE CARE PATIENTS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW
Abstract
Oral health is closely related to systemic health, especially in patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Proper oral hygiene contributes to the prevention of infections and clinical complications, such as Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP). The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of oral care protocols in improving oral health and preventing clinical complications in hospitalized patients. An integrative literature review was conducted through PubMed, BVS, and SciELO databases between 2018 and 2025. After screening and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles were selected. The studies showed that standardized oral hygiene protocols significantly reduce the incidence of VAP, improve oral health indices, and favor better clinical outcomes. It is concluded that the implementation of care protocols and the integration of dentists into multidisciplinary teams are essential measures to promote health and reduce infectious complications in critically ill patients.
Author Biographies
Dentist graduated from Facene/RN, specialist in Public Health, Radiology and Imaging, and Stomatology. Master’s degree in Health and Society from UERN. Professor of Dentistry at UNINASSAU Mossoró and professional in the Family Health Strategy in Apodi/RN. Also holds a technical degree in Information Technology from IFRN.
Undergraduate Dentistry student at UNINASSAU Mossoró. Member of the Scientific Committee of the Mossoró Academic League of Preventive and Social Dentistry (LAMOP). Worked as a monitor for the Dental Materials course and participated in extension projects and experiences in the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS). Currently, he is a scholarship intern at the Dental Office of PROPEG/UERN.
Bachelor’s degree and teaching degree in Nursing from the State University of Rio Grande do Norte, Caicó campus. Currently, she is a resident in the Multiprofessional Residency Program in Primary Care, Family Health, and Community Health at the State University of Rio Grande do Norte.
Undergraduate Dentistry student at UNINASSAU Mossoró, currently in the 7th semester. Has experience in academic tutoring in General Anatomophysiology and Pre-Clinical Practices, as well as participation in research and extension projects with scientific publications. Served as Marketing Director of the Mossoró Academic League of Orofacial Harmonization (LAMHOF). Has academic interests in Implant Dentistry, Dental Diagnosis, and Health Promotion.
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