Oral conditions in the community patient: part 1

Oral health is essential to prevent pain, ensure adequate nutrition and promote optimum general and psychosocial wellbeing. The detrimental effects of poor oral health can often be overlooked, resulting in low prioritisation of oral care when compared to other care roles. A multidisciplinary approach to maintaining good oral health of dependent community patients must be established, with stakeholders including dentists, nurses, carers, and family members. This article aims to explore fundamental oral health considerations for community nurses to maintain oral health.