Toothbrush vs. ventilator pneumonia: simple hygiene may save young lives

NCT ID NCT07287566

Completed Prevention Sponsor: Ain Shams University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested whether cleaning children's mouths with a toothbrush and chlorhexidine three times a day could lower their risk of getting a lung infection while on a breathing machine in the PICU. Researchers compared this method to routine mouth care in 118 children. The goal was to see if the toothbrushing approach reduced infections, shortened time on the ventilator, and improved survival.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: toothbrushing with chlorhexidine
What this could lead to: If it works, this simple, low-cost method could become standard practice to prevent dangerous lung infections in children on breathing machines.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study (118 participants) and results may not apply to all hospitals or age groups. The intervention is low-risk, but effectiveness may vary.

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

Pediatric Intensive Care Units, Children Hospital, Ain shams university

Cairo, 00002, Egypt

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