A randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of professional oral care by dental hygienists

Abstract: Objectives:  This study was designed to compare professional oral care (POC) by a dental hygienist with tooth brushing and mouth rinsing by patients themselves according to the instructions of a nurse (control). Methods:  Forty patients were randomly assigned to either the POC group (n = 20) or control group (n = 20). The presence of plaque and bacteria was assessed clinically. Results:  One patient in the POC group and three patients in the control group dropped out because of exacerbation of underlying disease or death. Plaque control record scores were significantly lower in the POC group than in the control group on the fifth hospital day and the day of discharge. There was no significant difference between the groups in the detection rate of Candida species; and nosocomial pathogens on either day. Conclusions:  Professional oral care by a dental hygienist is more effective than tooth brushing and mouth rinsing by patients themselves according to the instructions of a nurse.