Toothbrush vs. sponge: which oral care method best fights pneumonia in ICU patients?
NCT ID NCT07283380
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Zonguldak Ataturk State Hospital
Zonguldak, 67000, Turkey (Türkiye)
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Zonguldak Atatürk State Hospital, Ministry of Health, Türkiye
Zonguldak, 67000, Turkey (Türkiye)