Webinar: Preventing Infections from the Start: Oral Health in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology to Reduce Infections-Webinar: Preventing Infections from the Start: Oral Health in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology to Reduce Infections

Webinar: Preventing Infections from the Start: Oral Health in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology to Reduce Infections

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar focused on how oral health can help prevent infections in pediatric hematology and oncology patients, especially mucosal barrier injury CLABSIs (MBI CLABSIs). Presenters Catherine Martinez and Janelle Robbins, both dental hygienists working in children’s hospitals, explained that the mouth is a major gateway for infection because chemotherapy and related treatments can damage oral tissues, leading to mucositis and open pathways for bacteria to enter the bloodstream.<br /><br />They emphasized the importance of early, routine oral assessments by nurses and the need to recognize abnormal findings such as dry mouth, thrush, HSV lesions, angular cheilitis, and mucositis. Practical oral care recommendations included using ultra-soft toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste, alcohol-free rinses, lanolin-based lip moisturizers, and avoiding harsh products like alcohol mouthwash, SLS toothpaste, petroleum-based lip balm, and benzocaine.<br /><br />The presenters also discussed barriers to implementation, such as time constraints, lack of training, and limited resources, but showed that education alone can significantly improve oral care compliance and reduce infection rates. Their hospital data demonstrated fewer CLABSIs, fewer mucositis cases, and major cost savings after introducing oral health education and preventive practices. They concluded by encouraging other institutions to integrate oral health specialists into care teams.

Keywords

oral health

pediatric hematology

oncology patients

MBI CLABSI

mucositis

oral assessments

infection prevention

dental hygiene

chemotherapy