Toothbrush vs. sponge: which oral care method best fights pneumonia in ICU patients?

NCT ID NCT07283380

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Marmara University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether using a pediatric toothbrush or a sponge stick for mouth care can reduce harmful bacteria and prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in ICU patients on breathing machines. Seventy-two adults will be randomly assigned to one of the two methods for five days. Researchers will measure bacteria levels and use a pneumonia scoring system to see which approach works better.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: 0.12% chlorhexidine (included in both oral care sets)
What this could lead to: If one method proves better, it could lead to a simple, low-cost change in ICU oral care routines to reduce pneumonia risk.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study (72 patients) comparing two common methods, so results may not be definitive or widely applicable. The study only looks at short-term effects over 5 days.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA (VAP)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Zonguldak Ataturk State Hospital

Zonguldak, 67000, Turkey (Türkiye)
Zonguldak Atatürk State Hospital, Ministry of Health, Türkiye

Zonguldak, 67000, Turkey (Türkiye)

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