Keeping your Child Safe with Oral Care While on a Ventilator - FAQs
What is ventilator associated pneumonia?
Ventilator associated pneumonia can happen when a child is on a ventilator. It is due to many reasons.
- The body is stressed.
- Medicines we are giving may change the normal bacteria in the body.
- The hospital setting is different.
What do you do to prevent these problems?
- We keep the head of the bed up.
- We suction your child's mouth.
- We brush your child's teeth.
- We reduce the acid in your child's stomach.
Why do you do oral care so often?
Teeth can hold onto bacteria that may cause the normal bacteria to change. Oral care often can decrease this while your child is here.
Why do you do it while my child is sleeping?
We want to prevent infection so we do this throughout the day and night. If you have concerns, please talk to your nurse about this.
Do I need to do this so often when we go home?
No. Your home setting is different. You would follow the normal routines unless your doctor or dentist tells you something special needs to be done.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 04/08/2011
Copyright © 04/08/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7169
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