Abstract

In critical care units (CCU), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, resulting in substantial clinical and financial consequences. This systematic review investigates whether oral care measures and prevention bundles can lower the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Through this systematic review reviewing articles from 2006 to 2023 in PubMed, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases, we investigated the role of different oral hygiene practices, such as using toothbrushes, antiseptic mouthwashes, and chlorhexidine application, in reducing VAP rates through a comprehensive literature review of compendia and indexed medical databases. Consistent results show that oral care routines with a systematic approach minimize the danger of aspirating harmful bacteria into the lungs by effectively reducing the microbial colonization of the oropharynx.  Furthermore, to maximize patient outcomes, this analysis emphasizes the significance of interdisciplinary teamwork and nurse-led oral care efforts. We support the inclusion of thorough oral care regimens in routine ICU operations by combining data from several research. This method is a viable, non-invasive, and economical solution to improve patient safety and lower the incidence of VAP. This emphasizes the need for dental hygiene in critical care environments.

Key Words: ICU, VAP, Oral care, VAP bundles, systematic review.