Better oral hygiene in hospitals could reduce the risk of pneumonia in patients by as much as 60%, according to new clinical research presented at a major infectious diseases conference in Munich.
The findings highlight the importance of routine oral care for hospitalised patients, particularly those at risk of developing hospital-acquired pneumonia, a serious lung infection that typically appears at least 48 hours after admission. The condition is often more severe than community-acquired pneumonia, as patients are already weakened and hospital pathogens can be more resistant.
The study focused on non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP), which affects patients who are not on mechanical breathing support. Researchers found that many cases develop when bacteria from the mouth or throat are aspirated into the lungs, especially in patients who are unable to maintain oral hygiene during prolonged hospital stays.
Led by Professor Brett Mitchell of Avondale University in Australia, the study suggests that improving oral hygiene can significantly reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth, lowering the risk of infection spreading to the lungs. “These infections are largely driven by a patient’s own oral microbiota rather than external transmission,” Mitchell explained. “Improving oral hygiene helps reduce these pathogens in the mouth.”
The research involved more than 8,000 patients across multiple Australian hospitals. A structured oral care programme was introduced, providing patients with toothbrushes, toothpaste, educational materials, and access to digital guidance. Hospital staff also received training to ensure consistent delivery of oral care.
Following implementation, the proportion of patients receiving oral hygiene care increased from 15.9% to 61.5%. On average, oral care was carried out 1.5 times per day, reflecting a substantial improvement in hospital practice.
The results showed a notable decline in pneumonia cases. Infection rates dropped from one case per 100 patient-days to 0.41 cases, indicating a significant reduction in risk associated with the improved oral care programme.
Researchers also noted that prolonged hospital stays often lead to a deterioration in patients’ dental health, increasing vulnerability to infection. The study suggests that structured oral care interventions could play a key role in preventing complications during hospitalisation.
Mitchell described the results as highly encouraging, adding that the next step is to explore how such programmes can be consistently implemented across different hospital wards and healthcare systems.
The findings add to growing evidence that basic hygiene practices, often overlooked in clinical settings, can have a measurable impact on patient outcomes and reduce preventable infections in hospitals.
