May 4 (iVillage Total Health) -- Patients on ventilators in hospital intensive care units may benefit from having their mouths rinsed or swabbed as a precaution against developing pneumonia, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine determined that bacteria from patient's own dental plaque caused hospital-acquired pneumonia that may be avoided with a few simple steps. Pneumonia is caused when a germ such as bacteria or viruses enters the respiratory system and is not attacked effectively by the body's natural defenses. Coughing, discolored mucus, fever and body chills are common symptoms. The air sacs in the lungs can fill with fluid and the condition can be fatal in some people.

The three primary bacteria strains suspected in the hospital-acquired pneumonia were: staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and pseudomonas aeruginosa. The researchers analyzed samples of dental plaque, secretions from the windpipe (trachea) and cells from bronchial tubes in the lungs of nine patients who had developed pneumonia while hospitalized. The samples were taken on the day they were admitted to the hospital and then every third day, up to 21 days. They found that the same bacteria present in the mouths and tracheas were also in the patient's lungs.

"Our study shows that a strong relationship exists between oral and respiratory pathogens in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia," Dr. Paul Heo, the study's lead author, said in a press release. "We are saying that if the patients' mouths and teeth aren't cleaned while they are in the hospital, they may easily develop lung disease."

Dental plaque buildup is a common cause of tooth decay. Numerous previous studies have documented the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream through the gums and causing infection elsewhere in the body. The Buffalo researchers are conducting a three-year study to determine if swabbing patients' mouths with bactericide may help prevent pneumonia.

"These results suggest that the teeth likely serve as an important reservoir of infection in these patients," Heo said. "To prevent opportunistic, hospital-acquired disease, taking care of teeth and gums while hospitalized might be especially important."

Results of the study were presented recently at the International Association of Dental Research meeting. The study was funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Copyright 2007 iVillage Total Health.