RESUMO

This study investigated oral hygiene protocols for patients in intensive care units (ICUs) in 25 of 30 hospitals in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, using a questionnaire. Although all hospital representatives said there was a protocol for the maintenance of patients' oral hygiene, it was observed that there was no standardization. Only 2 hospitals had dentists on the ICU staff. Cetylpyridinium chloride was the most frequently used antiseptic, even in patients under mechanical ventilation.

Assuntos

Cuidados Críticos/métodos , Unidades de Terapia Intensiva , Higiene Bucal/métodos , Anti-Infecciosos Locais/uso terapêutico , Brasil , Cetilpiridínio/uso terapêutico , Cidades , Cuidados Críticos/normas , Hospitais , Humanos , Higiene Bucal/normas , Respiração Artificial