HEALTH SCIENCES AND ORAL HYGIENE IN ICU PATIENTS: Interdisciplinarity between Dentists and Nurses

Abstract

At all levels of care, intensive care units (ICU) focus on caring for patients in critical condition. Oral health treatment has been shown to be effective in controlling pathogens in these patients, and the establishment of systematized care protocols is essential to ensure that treatment is effective. This study aimed to review the literature within the scope of Hospital Dentistry in ICU and carry out a systematic review of publications on the subject. Articles published in the last 20 years dealing with Hospital Dentistry in ICUs were studied. The terms used to find related articles that address the topic were words such as "Dentistry", "Hospital Dentistry" and "ICU" in the Website search. The main objective of the studies was to demonstrate that, based on a brief reflection, the importance of the presence of the dental surgeon in ICUs can be seen, in compliance with the fact that a dental surgeon trained to work in hospital environments must prevent and treat oral conditions, as These events are important sources of systemic worsening. What makes the action efficient if used, within conduct protocols, leading to a reduction in costs associated with deterioration and promoting the patient's well-being and integrity.