Preoperative Tooth Cleaning Reduces Postoperative Pneumonia Risk in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma: A Study

Results: Preoperative tooth cleaning was significantly associated with lower postoperative pneumonia risk (OR = 0.30). Significant independent risk factors for postoperative pneumonia included tumor location at the floor of the mouth (OR = 4.70), hypertension (OR = 2.93), and longer operative duration (OR = 1.33 per hour). The radiographic severity of periodontitis was not a significant risk factor for postoperative pneumonia. No associations were found between tooth cleaning and other outcomes. Stratified analyses showed significant protective effects in patients aged > 60 years (OR = 0.19), with hypertension (OR = 0.08), periodontitis (OR = 0.07), or surgeries > 5 h (OR = 0.18).

Preoperative professional tooth cleaning one day before surgery is associated with a reduced risk of postoperative pneumonia in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Reference:

Xiao, C., Y. Yang, G. P. Lubamba, C. Li, X. Wang, and Z. Ding. 2026. “ Preoperative Professional Tooth Cleaning as a Preventive Measure for Postoperative Pneumonia in OSCC Patients: A Retrospective Study.” Oral Diseases 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.70200.

Keywords:

Preoperative, Tooth, Cleaning, Reduces, Postoperative, Pneumonia, Risk, Patients, oral, squamous cell carcinoma, Study, Xiao, C., Y. Yang, G. P. Lubamba, C. Li, X. Wang, and Z. Ding.