Part 1: Diagnosis of oral diseases in the housebound patient

Oral disease is common the housebound population ( Tomson et al, 2015 ). There can be a significant impact on the wellbeing of a housebound individuals ( Locker et al, 2000 ), who tend to be elderly, with poorer systemic health ( Qiu et al, 2010 ) and barriers to accessing care ( Freeman, 1999 ). Access to dental care can be limited (Fox, 2010) and prevention of oral disease is therefore paramount. Community nurses are in an excellent position to promote good oral care to the housebound patient and to support family in carers in preventing oral disease. This initial article in a series aims to provide information on common oral conditions with the next focusing on prevention and the role of nursing team.