Oral health of patients under short hospitalization period: observational study

J Clin Periodontol. 2014 Jun;41(6):558-63. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.12250. Epub 2014 Apr 10.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of hospitalization on the oral health status of individuals hospitalized for a short period of time.

Material and methods: This was an observational study of hospitalized patients. The plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) was measured at baseline (T0 - first 24 h of hospital admission), and at 3 (T1), 7 (T2), 14 (T3) days.

Results: One hundred and sixty-two patients were examined at baseline (T0), 35 examined at 3 days (T1), 23 at 7 days (T2) and 16 at 14 days (T3). The main reason for loss of patients was hospital discharge. The mean PI increased at T1 (0.97-1.21; p < 0.001), at T2 (1.06-1.30; p < 0.007) and at T3 (1.19-1.44; p < 0.03). Gingival index (GI) increased at T2 (0.74-0.96; p < 0.04) and at T3 (0.74-0.96; p < 0.02).

Conclusion: Oral health, assessed through PI and GI, deteriorates after a short period of hospitalization.

Keywords: hospitalization; inpatients; oral health.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biofilms
  • Dental Plaque / classification
  • Dental Plaque Index
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gingival Hemorrhage / classification
  • Gingivitis / classification
  • Health Status*
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Income
  • Inpatients*
  • Length of Stay*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oral Health*
  • Oral Hygiene
  • Patient Admission
  • Patient Discharge
  • Periodontal Index
  • Social Class
  • Toothbrushing