Condição da cavidade bucal dos pacientes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva.

Abstract

Introduction: Hospital internment, especially in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), modifies patients oral cavity conditions and can interact directly in their dental health, by the worsening the baseline disease or the occurrence of new diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate oral conditions of ICU adult patients the Hospital Santa Cruz (HSC) in Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional survey evolved 144 patients of both sexes, aged over 18 years. The medical records were consulted (clinical and epidemiological data), and the assessment of oral health was conducted by extraoral and intraoral examinations, analysis of the condition of the teeth, oral hygiene and periodontal health. Results: The results showed that of the 144 patients, 60.8% were male, mean age 62 years, and the main reason for hospitalization was for circulatory diseases (57%). The clinical conditions of the oral cavity were: 32.1% edentulous; 65.9% of the patients with some prosthetic rehabilitation; 18.9%, with clinical signs of hyposalivation and 52.8% of tongue coating. Regarding to gingival health, 48% of the faces of teeth examined showed biofilm, 7% had bleeding gum and 33.3% of patients were diagnosed with Periodontitis. Conclusion: The oral health of patients was compromised, as there is large number of edentulous, and tooth loss. In addition, patients had a high visible plaque index and active periodontal disease.