What is it about?
This study looked at whether professional oral care, carried out at least two weeks before surgery, could help prevent infections after an operation. We reviewed records from patients at our hospital, comparing those who received preoperative oral care with those who did not. We found that patients who had oral care in advance experienced fewer postoperative infections. This suggests that maintaining oral health before surgery can improve surgical outcomes and patient safety.
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Why is it important?
Postoperative infections remain a serious challenge that can prolong hospital stays, increase healthcare costs, and cause significant patient suffering. Our study highlights a simple, low-cost, and widely applicable preventive measure—planned oral care at least two weeks before surgery. By adopting this strategy, hospitals worldwide could reduce the risk of infections, improve surgical safety, and enhance overall patient outcomes.
Perspectives
This study was particularly meaningful to me because it connects dentistry and surgery, two areas that are often considered separately. By working closely with dental specialists and surgical teams, I realized how a simple preventive step—oral care provided two weeks before surgery—can have a profound effect on patient outcomes. I hope that this research encourages more collaboration across medical disciplines and inspires hospitals worldwide to consider oral health as an essential part of surgical preparation.
Masashi Hirooka
Ehime Daigaku
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Effect of planned preoperative oral care implemented at least 2 weeks before surgery on postoperative infections: A single-center retrospective observational study, PLOS One, September 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0330165.
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