Oral hygiene in hospitalized pediatric patients in intensive care units: Literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Pediatric patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are at high risk of oral complications due to mechanical ventilation, immunosuppression, medications, and difficulty maintaining proper oral hygiene. Biofilm accumulation promotes opportunistic infections, increases the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia, and worsens the overall prognosis. Maintaining proper oral hygiene in these children is essential to prevent local and systemic complications. Objective: To review the evidence on the importance and methods of oral hygiene in pediatric patients hospitalized in ICUs. Review: Methodology: Literature review in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO between 2018 and 2024 in English and Spanish. Results: Out of 93 articles, 14 were analyzed. Between 45-60% of pediatric ICU patients present with oral complications such as mucositis, xerostomia, candidiasis, and ulcers. Lack of oral hygiene increases the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Conclusion and Recommendations: Oral hygiene with a soft brush or gauze 2–3 times a day, alcohol-free antiseptics, and keeping lips hydrated is recommended. Systematic oral care reduces complications and infections and should be part of routine pediatric ICU care, ideally with dental supervision, improving oral health indicators and lowering infection rates. Keywords: oral hygiene, pediatrics, ICU