Today’s post focuses on an article that appeared recently on ScienceDaily.com. The article describes a study of Brazilian ICU patients that compared infection rates of those who received enhanced oral care instead of routine oral care. The patients who received more intense dental care were 56 percent less likely to develop a respiratory infection during their stay.
“Enhanced dental care included teeth brushing, tongue scraping, removal of calculus, atraumatic restorative treatment of caries, tooth extraction and topical application of chlorhexidine corresponding to each patients’ needs four to five times a week. Comparatively, regular treatment consisted of mechanical cleansing using gauze followed by topical application of chlorhexidine three times a day. Bacteria causing healthcare-associated infections often start in the oral cavity. This study suggests that having a dentist provide weekly care as part the ICU team may improve outcomes for vulnerable patients in this setting,” said Fernando Bellissimo-Rodrigues, MD, lead author of the study.
If a member of your family has serious health issues, you may want to talk to their doctor about the oral health implications of their condition. In unfortunate cases where one of our patients experiences severe health issues, we are happy to work with their medical team to ensure that their dental health in Arlington is not compromised. Even some manageable chronic conditions can require more frequent exams and cleanings.
Though this study pertains to ICU patients, it is also a reminder to all of us. Receiving consistent quality dental care and practicing proper daily oral hygiene is vital for everyone. Some patients have an inaccurate view of dental health in Arlington – they seem to have the notion that it exists autonomously. It is actually interdependent with general physical health.
At Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we see ourselves as key members of your healthcare team and are dedicated to your physical, mental, and dental health in Arlington. If you are looking for a warm and friendly dental practice in Arlington, we invite you to schedule a consultation by calling 817-274-7875. You can meet me, Dr. Ratcliff, and my team of dental professionals. We offer services such as dental veneers, restorative dentistry, and root canals.
Contact Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:
817-274-7875
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
909 W Mitchell St
Arlington, Texas
76013
