title: The importance of patients' oral health and nurses'role in assessing and maintaining it.
abstract: Oral hygiene is undervalued in terms of its effects on patient health and nutrition. Effective oral care reduces infection and promotes health. This article explores the evidence for appropriate assessment of oral health and provides guidance for effective oral care.
authors.affiliation: Birmingham City University.
authors.forename: Bridget
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Malkin
mesh_terms: D019985:Benchmarking; D003778:Dentures / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D009909:Oral Health / Q000592:standards; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000592:standards; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors