This study assessed the overall effect of oral hygiene in patients in an intensive care unit and compared the results when different solutions were used. Forty orally intubated subjects were studied. Ultrafresh (Faulding) was used as mouth care agent for half the subjects and normal saline was used for the other half. The condition of all subjects' mouths was assessed daily while oral endotracheal tubes were in situ. No localised changes occurred in the oral tissues of 72% of subjects and none developed gingivitis or overt oral candidiasis.