Effect of prolonged hospitalization on the maintenance of oral health: A self-report survey.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effect of prolonged hospitalization on the maintenance of dental health and to assess the nursing staff's approach to addressing these concerns.

METHODS: A survey questionnaire explored changes in the routine dental care of patients hospitalized for over a month. The involvement of nursing staff in addressing dental care was also evaluated.

RESULTS: Fifty adult patients aged 18-89 years (mean age 62.4 ± 20.54 years), 27 (54%) males, completed the survey. During hospitalization (mean 58.59 ± 38.63 days) 26% and 18%, increased consumption of sweets and sugary beverages, between meals, respectively; 26% and 20% of the patients reduced the frequency of tooth brushing in the morning and in the evening, respectively, and 42.2% of them, reduced the quality of their toothbrushing during hospitalization. Nevertheless, 95.9% and 93.9% of them were never instructed during hospitalization to limit their consumption of sweets and sugary beverages and 83.3% and 62.5% of them had never been reminded or offered assistance during hospitalization in performing toothbrushing, respectively. The lower frequency of morning toothbrushing was significantly correlated with a lack of nurses' assistance (p = 0.004). In contrast, 62.6% reported they were reminded every day to shower. Patients in the rehabilitation and geriatrics departments reported a greater need for a brush/toothpaste (p < 0.0001) and assistance in toothbrushing (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged hospitalization leads to significant deterioration in inpatients' dental health maintenance. Raising awareness among nurses regarding their inpatient's oral health maintenance is warranted. Providing patients with toothbrushes, toothpaste and educational materials upon hospitalization is recommended.