[Oral management for perioperative patients.]

Area of Science:

• Oral health
• Perioperative medicine
• Infection control

Background:

• Perioperative period is associated with oral complications such as postoperative pneumonia, surgical site infections, and dental damage.
• Existing periodontitis can lead to bacteremia, increasing the risk of foreign material infections in patients with prosthetic valves or artificial joints.
• Current oral care practices may be insufficient, lacking assessment of potential oral problems beyond basic cleaning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the significance of comprehensive oral management during the perioperative period.
• To emphasize the need for accurate oral assessment to guide treatment.
• To advocate for a broader definition of oral care that includes dental treatment and rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on perioperative oral complications.
• Analysis of the impact of oral health on surgical outcomes.
• Development of a framework for integrated oral management.

Main Results:

• Oral-related complications pose significant risks during the perioperative period.
• Inadequate oral assessment and care can exacerbate surgical site infections and foreign material infections.
• Proactive oral management, including dental treatment and rehabilitation, is effective in preventing these complications.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive oral management, based on accurate assessment, is essential for preventing perioperative complications.
• Integrating dental treatment, rehabilitation, and patient education into perioperative care improves patient outcomes.
• A shift from basic oral cleaning to holistic oral management is necessary for enhanced patient safety.