Effects of the bass brushing method on dental plaque and pneumonia in older adults hospitalized with pneumonia after discharge: A randomized controlled trial

Aim: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of the Bass brushing method on dental plaque and pneumonia in older adults hospitalized with pneumonia after discharge.

Background: Poor oral hygiene may lead to pneumonia. Complications of pneumonia in older adults can be life-threatening during hospitalization and after discharge.

Methods: Older adults hospitalized with pneumonia (n = 30) were randomly assigned to intervention (with the Bass brushing method; n = 15) or control (with usual care; n = 15) groups. Dental plaque index and pneumonia as detected on chest x-rays were evaluated prior to the intervention (baseline) and every month for six months after discharge.

Results: Participants in the intervention group experienced a sustained reduction in dental plaque from the fourth to the sixth months (p = .024; p = .025; p = .000, respectively) that was not found in the control group. There were no group differences in detected pneumonia throughout the follow-up period. Pneumonia as detected on the chest x-rays at baseline (p = .001) and dental plaque index (p = .021) were significant predictors of the risk of pneumonia across groups.

Conclusions: The Bass brushing method is a simple and effective oral hygiene practice that reduces dental plaque in older adults hospitalized with pneumonia after discharge.