[Oral hygiene of patients with self-care deficit syndrome].

This is a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory research study. The population comprised nurses in adult intensive care units. Data collection was conducted through a semi-structured interview, using Thematic Content Analysis. It was concluded that it is difficult to understand the consequences that the non-promotion of oral hygiene may entail in the clinical evolution of patients with the syndrome of self-care deficit. It was observed that bureaucratic factors still interfere in the services for a more integrated care. It is urgent for nursing professionals to re-dimension their know-how by approaching oral hygiene care critically.