IMPORTANCE OF DENTAL CARE IN CONTROLLING INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN INTERNSIVE CARE UNITS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Infections in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) represent an important public health issue due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with critically ill patients, especially those undergoing invasive procedures and mechanical ventilation. In this context, the oral cavity may act as a potential reservoir of pathogenic microorganisms and a source of odontogenic infections, contributing to systemic complications and worsening the patient’s clinical condition. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the importance of controlling and eliminating odontogenic infectious foci in patients hospitalized in ICUs, as well as the contribution of the dental surgeon in preventing hospital-acquired infections and improving clinical outcomes. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative and exploratory approach, conducted in the SciELO, LILACS, and MEDLINE databases through the Virtual Health Library, including articles published between 2019 and 2025 in Portuguese and English. The analyzed studies showed that the dental surgeon’s role in the ICU contributes to the control of the oral microbiota, reduction of infectious foci, decreased incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia, shorter hospital stay, and improved clinical prognosis. It is concluded that the inclusion of this professional in the multidisciplinary team is essential for comprehensive care and for ensuring the safety of critically ill patients.