Daily brushing could cut pneumonia in dementia patients
NCT ID NCT03892200
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study adapted a proven mouth care program for nursing homes to work in assisted living facilities for people with dementia. Nursing assistants were trained to provide daily mouth care and given supplies. The goal was to reduce harmful mouth bacteria that can lead to pneumonia. Over 1,400 residents took part, and researchers measured plaque, gum health, and pneumonia rates.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- daily mouth care training and supplies
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this program could reduce pneumonia and hospitalizations in assisted living residents with dementia by improving daily oral hygiene.
- What could go wrong
- This is an adaptation study, not a large-scale trial, so results may not apply broadly. The program's success depends on consistent staff training and resident cooperation.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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1,405 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Oct 2019
- Finished
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Mar 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
RESIDENTS Inclusion Criteria: * Are 18 years of age or older * Have teeth or have and use a denture * Have a diagnosis of dementia Exclusion Criteria: * Requires antibiotic prophylaxis prior to oral hygiene examination * Currently on hospice or tube-feeding * Expected to die or be discharged in the next six months
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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
Locations
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States
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