Good oral health can reduce hospital-acquired pneumonia

Nurses and other health professionals can reduce hospital-acquired pneumonia by prioritizing their patients’ oral health, particularly those who are elderly. Harmful bacteria can thrive in the mouth, so comprehensive oral care can mitigate the risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia and other adverse health outcomes. However, oral health is not often prioritized among nursing tasks. A study on missed nursing care activities found 60.5% of patients who developed non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia did not have any documented oral care. (Infection Control Today article, 1/16/25)