Impact of Toothbrushing Without Chlorhexidine on Oral Hygiene in Intubated Patients

Effect of Toothbrushing Without Chlorhexidine on Oral Hygiene Indices and Risks of Systemic Complications in Patients With Orotracheal Intubation: Randomized Pilot Clinical Study and Cost-effectiveness Analysis.

Not applicable Interventional Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein · NCT06453122

This study tests if brushing teeth without chlorhexidine helps keep the mouths of intubated patients cleaner and reduces the risk of infections like pneumonia and sepsis.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospital Israelita Albert Einstein Academic / other
Locations1 site (Sao Paulo)
Trial IDNCT06453122 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of oral hygiene practices in critically ill patients who are orotracheally intubated, specifically comparing toothbrushing with and without the use of chlorhexidine. The research aims to determine if omitting chlorhexidine affects the accumulation of dental plaque and the risk of systemic complications such as pneumonia and sepsis. The study will involve regular oral hygiene procedures performed every eight hours, assessing the cost-effectiveness and safety of the new protocol. The findings could inform best practices for oral care in intensive care settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult ICU patients over 18 years old who are orotracheally intubated and have no oral infections.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to undergo oral hygiene procedures or have existing oral infections may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to safer oral hygiene practices for intubated patients, potentially reducing the risk of serious complications.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited literature on this specific approach, recent recommendations suggest a shift away from chlorhexidine, indicating a need for further investigation into alternative oral hygiene methods.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients admitted to the adult ICU;
* age over 18;
* both sexes;
* orotracheal intubation monitored from the first day;
* absence of foci of infection in the oral cavity (periapical lesions,
* periodontal abscesses, extensive cavities, opportunistic infections);
* presence of at least five teeth per dental arch

Exclusion Criteria:

* patients in whom oral hygiene is not possible;
* patients extubated before 24 hours from baseline;
* patients with foci of infection in the oral cavity present in the baseline moment;
* patients who died before 24 hours from baseline;
* patients whose guardians do not authorize the research to be carried out;
* patients whose information about oral and general health and other study variables are not available in the medical record, are doubtful or not capable of collection.
* patients after heart surgery
* patients with reintubation

Where this trial is running

Sao Paulo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Oral HygieneIntensive CareChlorhexidine
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.