Randomized clinical trial of oral health promotion interventions among patients following stroke

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of oral health promotion interventions on clinical oral health. Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial conducted over 3 weeks of in-hospital rehabilitation. Setting: Stroke rehabilitation ward in Hong Kong. Participants: Patients with stroke (N=102) admitted to the rehabilitation ward. Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned either: (1) oral hygiene instruction, (2) oral hygiene instruction and chlorhexidine mouthrinse, or (3) oral hygiene instruction, chlorhexidine mouthrinse, and assisted brushing. Main Outcome Measures: Dental plaque, gingival bleeding, and oral functional status were assessed at baseline and review. Development of infectious complications were also monitored during the clinical trial. Results: Poor oral hygiene and an overall neglect of oral hygiene practices were observed at baseline. Reductions in dental plaque were significantly greater in the 2 groups receiving chlorhexidine compared with the group receiving oral hygiene instruction alone (