The importance of oral hygiene in nutritional support

Disorders of the mouth can significantly impair the quality of life of the ill patient. For patients requiring nutritional support, especially those who are unable to take food via the oral route, good oral hygiene is of prime importance. This article, the third in a series on nutrition, suggests aims and objectives for mouthcare plus an assessment tool for recording the oral state of patients on admission. The role of saliva in oral health is explored along with the problems and alleviation of a dry mouth. The current range of oral hygiene products and their use are discussed. A sound scientific knowledge of the oral environment in nurse education is advocated; it is suggested that the dental team could help to provide this.