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.

Methods: The sample consisted of 116 patients and 329 procedures performed in the period between May 2007 and July 2011 at A.C. Camargo Cancer Center.

Results: Oral mucositis was the main problem (20.3 %), especially in immunosuppressed patients (p < 0.001). Other most prevalent problems were candidiasis (16.6 %), bacterial biofilm (14.9 %), and xerostomia (7.18 %). The main procedures performed were clinical evaluation and medication prescription corresponding to 35.10 and 27.81 %, respectively.

Conclusions: In conclusion, most of the patients presented oral problems related to side effects of oncological treatment. The dentist's participation in the ICU is important for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral problems.