Oral evaluation and procedures performed by dentists in patients admitted to the intensive care unit of a cancer center.

Background: Most of the oral problems affecting patients in the ICU (intensive care unit) are conditions resulting from their general health status/immunosuppression, medications, and trauma due to tracheal intubation. Furthermore, microorganisms present in the oral cavity and oropharynx may be transported into the lungs resulting in pneumonia.

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the oral problems in patients in the ICU of a cancer center and describe the procedures performed by the dentists in such patients.