Abstract
Objective: The primary goal of this study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the comparative effects of chlorhexidine 0.12% and fluoride toothpaste as oral hygiene agents in mechanically ventilated patients, with a specific focus on their impact on oral microorganisms and hygiene.
Methods: This single-blinded, randomized clinical trial was conducted at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo General Hospital in Makassar, Indonesia, from April to August 2024. The study population consisted of all patients on mechanical ventilation in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) during this period. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: one received oral care with chlorhexidine 0.12% and the other with fluoride toothpaste. This division allowed for a direct comparison of the effects of each oral hygiene agent on reducing oral microorganism colonies and improving Beck oral assessment scale (BOAS) scores among mechanically ventilated ICU patients.
Results: A total of 20 patients participated in this study, evenly divided between the two intervention groups: chlorhexidine 0.12% and fluoride toothpaste. The comparison of oral microorganism colonies before and after the intervention revealed a significant reduction in both groups (p<0.05). However, there was a notably more significant reduction in the chlorhexidine 0.12% group, indicating its superior effectiveness in lowering oral microorganism colonies. This finding has practical implications for oral care in ICU settings, suggesting that chlorhexidine 0.12% may be a more effective choice. Similarly, BOAS scores also showed a more significant decrease in the chlorhexidine group, further supporting its effectiveness as an oral hygiene agent in mechanically ventilated patients.
Conclusion: Chlorhexidine 0.12% has proven more effective than fluoride toothpaste as an oral hygiene agent, particularly in mechanically ventilated patients.
Muhammad Ikhwan, Syafri Kamsul Arif, Faisal Muchtar, Hisbullah, Haizah Nurdin, Ari Santri Palinrungi
