Oral care strategies in patients in intensive care units

Abstract

Oral care is a fundamental aspect of nursing and impacts the health, comfort, and well-being of patients over both the short and long term. Providing adequate oral care for patients in intensive care units (ICUs) is particularly challenging, due in part to problems of caring for very sick patients in a busy stressful environment, which may result in oral care having a lower priority for nurses than other aspects of care. This review considers the evidence supporting the use of oral care in ICU patients and makes recommendations for comprehensive care. Keywords: Oral health; dental care; MICU dental care