Oral Care in Advanced Disease

Oral problems are a major cause of morbidity in patients with advanced disease. This book provides a comprehensive review of mouthcare in chronically and terminally ill patients. The scope is wide, covering not only cancer patients but also AIDS and stroke victims, and patients with a severe disability, providing a definitive reference source and practical accessible information.

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Lesions of the oral cavity have an enormous impact on the quality of life of patients with advanced disease. They cause considerable morbidity and diminish a patient's physical and psychological well-being. Oral complications impair oral nutrition and can cause a variety of problems including malnutrition, anorexia, and cachexia. Psychological problems relate to the role that the oral cavity plays in communication and social life. This book provides comprehensive, clinically relevant, evidence-based guidelines on oral problems to ensure first-rate care. The scientific foundations and research base for their management underpin the discussion throughout.

A multi-disciplinary group of contributors provide authoritative guidelines on clinical features, investigations, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment, as well as complementary therapies. Chapters cover oral assessment, hygiene, domiciliary dental care, infections, taste disturbance, pain, HIV infection and AIDS, neurological diseases, and paediatric problems. Highly illustrated throughout, the book also includes an extensive colour plate section.