How Dentistry is Helping Reduce the Incidence of Hospital Acquired Pneumonia
According to the National Organization for Non-Ventilator Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Prevention (NOHAP), hospital acquired pneumonia is the #1 hospital acquired infection in the US and 60% of cases are among non-ventilated patients. NOHAP, and limited studies of NV-HAP estimates that each year 35 million hospitalized patients are at risk for hospital acquired pneumonia at a cost of over $3 billion dollars with a mortality rate of up to 31% according to published reports. NV-HAP will prolong hospital stays by 7-9 days. Those at risk for NV-HAP include patients with compromised immune systems, cardiovascular, or pulmonary disease.
The pathogenesis of the disease shows that dental plaque provides a microhabitat of pathogens and these pathogens replicate at least 5 times per 24-hour period. 50% of healthy adults microaspirated in their sleep, aspirating the pathogens into the lungs. In a weakened host, one that is immunocompromised with poor cough reflex and multiple co-morbidities will lead to hospital acquired pneumonia. Removing the biofilm from teeth with regular brushing can help prevent pneumonia.
With the support of the American Dental Association and the fully supported by the VA Office of Dentistry, The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched an organized effort to assist in the prevention of hospital acquired pneumonia in VA and private hospitals across the country. The NO-HAP effort encourages patients to practice consistent oral hygiene during their hospitalization as a simple measure to aid in the prevention of hospital acquired pneumonia. Through training and educational programs, it ensures nurses brush their patient’s teeth twice daily in the CLC (Community Living Centers.)
“VA has successfully shown that patients who brush their teeth a few times a day can dramatically reduce the risk of pneumonia,” said VA Chief Officer of Health Care Innovation and Learning Ryan Vega, M.D. “The practice may also reduce the severity of a COVID-19 infection by lowering the probability of a secondary bacterial pneumonia — a frequent occurrence seen with the virus.” With the support of VA’s Diffusion of Excellence, the practice has spread to 107 VA facilities across the nation, helping make Veterans under VA care safer.