Comparing the Effects of Orthodentol and Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Patients of Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a common, serious and costly complication in patients of intensive care units. Oral hygiene is one of the important clinical measures to reduce the amount of pulmonary infection in these patients. Therefore, this study compares the effects of chlorhexidine and orthodontal mouthwashes on prevention of pulmonary infection in patients with endotracheal tracheal intubation under mechanical ventilation in intensive care units.

This double-blind clinical trial study was performed on 60 patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in two groups of intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 30) in ICU department of Imam Reza hospital in Kermanshah. In the control group, chlorhexidine (0.2%) mouthwash and in the intervention group, Ortodontol mouthwash was used three times a day. Data on the rate of early and late pneumonia were compared based on CPIS criteria applying t-test and Chi-square.

The incidence of early and delay pneumonia in the intervention group was lower than that of control, but no significant difference was observed (P >0.05). The overall frequency of pulmonary infection in the intervention group was significantly lower than the control group (P = 0.03). The frequency of pneumonia causes was lower in the intervention group, but this decrease was statistically significant in Staphylococcus aureus (P = 0.03).

According to the results of this study, orthodontol mouthwash can be effective in reducing the incidence of pulmonary infection associated with mechanical ventilation.