Simple tooth brushing before surgery may stop pneumonia

NCT ID NCT07669064

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a quick oral hygiene routine—brushing teeth and tongue, then rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash—right before surgery can reduce the amount of bacteria that travel from the mouth into the windpipe during intubation. The trial involves 60 adults aged 60 or older having elective surgery under general anesthesia. Half will do the oral cleaning; the other half will receive standard care. Researchers will measure bacteria levels in the mouth and windpipe to see if the cleaning helps.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

chlorhexidine oral antiseptic

What this could lead to

If it works, this simple oral hygiene step before surgery could reduce the risk of postoperative pneumonia, a common and serious complication.

What could go wrong

This is a small early study (60 people) that only measures bacterial levels, not actual pneumonia rates. The effect may be small or not translate to fewer infections.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for INTUBATION, INTRATRACHEAL are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-••••

Locations

  • Ulm University Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine

    Ulm, Baden-Wurttemberg, 89081, Germany

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••