Oral health is vital for the overall well-being of hospitalized patients but is not routinely prioritized. Poor oral hygiene can result in hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). Research indicates that structured oral care protocols can significantly reduce pneumonia rates, particularly among patients not receiving mechanical ventilation, highlighting the importance of regular oral hygiene. Older adults, especially those in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), are at a higher risk of developing HAP due to weakened immune systems, dependence on external dental devices, and preexisting health conditions that hinder their ability to care for themselves. Given the high prevalence of respiratory pathogens among older adults, investigating the oral microbiome in hospitalized seniors could lead to essential nursing interventions to enhance oral health and lower infection risks.

The investigators (1) compared the oral microbiomes of older adults not receiving mechanical ventilation between those admitted from home and those admitted from a SNF and (2) assessed changes...

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