| [ Summary ] |
In later years, disuse atrophy of the oral cavity function and poor oral hygiene results in the aggravation of various systemic complications and eating deglutition function. This has a significant impact on the maintenance of nutritional status and healthy life expectancy. For patients on dialysis who are at risk for infections and have a tendency of undernutrition, good oral hygiene and stable oral intake are beneficial to improve their quality-of-life and prevent complications. In particular, oral rehabilitation has been shown to improve oral function and hygiene. It is also important to improve the patients' nutritional status and prevent infections such as the aspiration pneumonitis. Thus, a team approach consisting of a physician, nurse, speech-language hearing therapist, dietitian, dentist, dental hygienist, and pharmacist is required for successful oral rehabilitation. |