Assessment of the Oral Health Status of Patients Admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Units: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: It is important to detect oral health problems early among patients admitted to pediatric intensive care units to establish the diagnosis and consequently allow nurses to plan appropriate oral care practices. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the oral health status of patients admitted to pediatric intensive care units. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2021 in the pediatric intensive care units of 3 hospitals. A total of 88 children were included in the study. An intraoral assessment was performed using a tongue depressor and a flashlight, and data were collected using a patient information form and the Oral Assessment Guide (OAG). RESULTS: The mean OAG score was 8.45 +/- 2.876 points. A significant difference was found in the OAG score between the patients 60 months or younger and those 61 months or older (P < .05). The OAG score was significantly associated with the use of diuretics (P < .05) and the frequency of oral care (P < .05). A negative relationship was found between the OAG score and the Glasgow Coma Scale score (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The oral health status of the patients worsened as their age increased, and their state of consciousness decreased. Oral care was more frequently applied to the patients who received artificial respiration. The study provides evidence-based data regarding the early detection of the factors threatening oral health and the necessary precautions.