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Why you should read this article: • To understand the importance of providing equitable and inclusive care to transgender patients • To recognise the challenges transgender people may face when accessing or using healthcare services • To be aware of areas to consider when supporting transgender patients with their personal hygiene Attending to one's personal hygiene is a private and ritualistic act that is linked to self-expression and is important for one's well-being and self-esteem. Providing effective support with personal hygiene to patients can demonstrate thoughtfulness and sensitivity to their individual needs. Nurses in all fields of nursing may encounter patients who identify as transgender, but many nurses have expressed concerns about their lack of knowledge and confidence in that area of care. This article discusses the use of gender-affirming language and the factors to consider when supporting transgender patients with their personal hygiene as part of personalised, equitable and inclusive nursing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the importance of providing effective oral healthcare in hospital and community care settings • To learn about a quality improvement project that was undertaken to address gaps in the delivery of oral healthcare • To consider changes you could make in your area of practice to enhance oral healthcare for patients The promotion of oral healthcare is an integral part of nursing care. However, research has shown that staff in hospitals and community care settings often lack oral healthcare skills. This article details a quality improvement project in which a scoping exercise was undertaken in one NHS trust to assess whether ward-based oral healthcare provision was adequate. The scoping exercise identified that there was a need to address the lack of oral healthcare provision in the trust. Subsequently, a multidisciplinary working group developed an oral healthcare assessment tool and rolled this out across the trust. The authors also provided online training for nurses in the trust to assist them in using the new tool. At the same time, an audit of the oral healthcare products used in the trust, and their appropriateness, was undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the importance of mouth care in promoting oral health and comfort, and preventing or treating disease • To enhance your understanding of the procedure for undertaking an effective oral assessment and mouth care • To identify oral health interventions that could be used in patients with severe oral conditions Rationale and key points: Mouth care is an essential aspect of a patient's overall oral hygiene. Nurses may be required to undertake an oral assessment and/or mouth care in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, residential care or in patients' homes. Therefore, they must ensure they have the knowledge, confidence and skills to do so effectively, while ensuring they work within the limits of their competence. The patient and their family and/or carers should be supported to be involved in mouth care where appropriate. This will enable them to develop the ability to monitor and maintain the patient's oral hygiene. • Any oral assessment and/or mouth care provided should be person-centred and include the use of a reliable and locally approved oral assessment tool. The frequency of any mouth care will depend on the outcomes of the assessment and the patient's needs. • It is important for the nurse to understand the various factors that can result in suboptimal oral hygiene and to reduce these where possible. • Nurses should take an evidence-based and standardised approach to care by accessing the clinical guidelines available for mouth care and severe oral conditions such as mucositis. These guidelines detail interventions such as the use of mouthwash for moistening the oral cavity or providing pain relief. Reflective activity: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article might improve your practice when undertaking mouth care. • How you could use this information to educate nursing students or your colleagues on the appropriate technique and evidence-base to maintain the patient's oral hygiene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To enhance your knowledge of the pathophysiology of oral mucositis, including its symptoms, causes and risk factors • To recognise the preventative measures and treatment interventions that may be used in oral mucositis, as well as the importance of optimal oral hygiene • To understand the nursing role in caring for patients with oral mucositis Mucositis involves an inflammation of the oral or gastrointestinal mucosa and is a common complication of cancer treatment. Mucositis is usually associated with high-dose chemotherapy, radiotherapy and, more recently, molecular targeted therapy. Oral mucositis refers specifically to inflammation and ulceration that occurs in the mouth. If not treated promptly, it can potentially lead to life-threatening infection requiring hospitalisation and intravenous antibiotics. This article discusses the causes and nursing management of oral mucositis, with an emphasis on self-care and optimal oral hygiene, as well as pharmacological interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People often experience mouth care problems at the end of life, yet it is an area that can sometimes be neglected. Some nursing staff may be anxious about causing additional pain or distress to a patient, for example, while a 2021 paper in the Journal of Research highlighted lack of relevant nurse training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the potential association between periodontitis and early biomarkers of degenerative retinal conditions, suggesting the importance of oral hygiene in patients at risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Topics include the analysis of retinal sublayer thickness in individuals with very severe periodontitis and the correlation between periodontitis and systemic inflammation.

The article advises speech-language pathologists about the importance of oral hygiene in critically ill patients with dysphagia. Topics mentioned include the functions of saliva including the lubrication of food and dental remineralization, the barriers to providing adequate oral care in hospitals including busy hospital routines, and the ways to improve oral care in a medical facility including the need to promote oral decontamination.

People with serious mental illness (SMI) are at risk of dying many years earlier than the general population. Providing an effective, cost-efficient healthcare service requires a holistic approach, and improving the physical health of people with SMI should be integral to all healthcare roles. It is important for nurses to identify and understand the barriers that people with SMI may experience when accessing physical healthcare. A range of factors contribute to reduced life expectancy, including lifestyle factors, symptoms of mental illness and the side effects of medications. This article discusses four areas of health that commonly affect people with SMI: metabolic syndrome, smoking, oral health and sexual health. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that increase an individual's risk of cardiovascular disease stroke and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Smoking is increasingly prevalent in people with SMI, with rates remaining steady despite a decline in smoking rates nationally. Oral health and sexual health can negatively affect the physical health and well-being of people with SMI; however, these aspects of health are often neglected. This article identifies ways that nurses in all practice settings can use health promotion, assessment and treatment to improve the physical health of people with SMI in relation to these four areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mouth problems, including a dry or painful mouth, infections and changes in taste, are all common issues in dying patients. Maintaining oral health is an essential part of good care in the final weeks and days of life, but expert nurses warn it is an area that is frequently neglected or not done well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mouth care is about keeping someone's mouth clean, comfortable and healthy. It includes cleaning the lips, tongue, roof of the mouth, gums, teeth and any dentures. It may also be referred to as oral care or oral hygiene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem: Chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Engaging in healthy behaviors (e.g., quitting smoking and tobacco use, being more physically active, and eating a nutritious diet) and accessing preventive health-care services (e.g., routine physical checkups, screening for cancer, checking blood pressure, testing blood cholesterol, and receiving recommended vaccinations) can reduce morbidity and mortality from chronic and infectious disease and lower medical costs. Monitoring and evaluating health-risk behaviors and the use of health services is essential to developing intervention programs, promotion strategies, and health policies that address public health at multiple levels, including state, territory, metropolitan and micropolitan statistical area (MMSA), and county. Reporting Period: January-December 2010. Description of the System: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is an ongoing, state-based, randomdigit- dialed telephone survey of noninstitutionalized adults aged =18 years residing in the United States. BRFSS collects data on health-risk behaviors, chronic diseases and conditions, access to health care, and use of preventive health services and practices related to the leading causes of death and disabilities in the United States. This report presents results for 2010 for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, 192 MMSAs, and 302 counties. Results: In 2010, the estimated prevalence of high-risk health behaviors, chronic diseases and conditions, access to health care, and use of preventive health services varied substantially by state and territory, MMSA, and county. In the following summary of results, each set of proportions refers to the range of estimated prevalence for the disease, condition, or behaviors, as reported by survey respondents. Adults reporting good or better health: 67.9%-89.3% for states and territories, 72.2%-92.1% for MMSAs, and 72.8%-95.8% for counties. Adults with health-care coverage: 69.4%-95.7% for states and territories, 45.7%-97.0% for MMSAs, and 45.7%-97.2% for counties. Adults who had a dental visit in the past year: 57.2%-81.7% for states and territories, 47.1%-83.5% for MMSAs, and 47.1%-88.2% for counties. Adults aged =65 years having had all their natural teeth extracted (edentulism): 7.4%-36.0% for states and territories, 4.8%-34.8% for MMSAs, and 2.4%-39.3% for counties. A routine physical checkup during the preceding 12 months: 53.8%-80.0% for states and territories, 49.5%-82.6% for MMSAs, and 49.5%-85.3% for counties. Influenza vaccination received during the preceding 12 months among adults aged =65 years: 26.9%-73.4% for states and territories, 51.7%-77.1% for MMSAs, and 49.3%-87.8% for counties. Pneumococcal vaccination ever received among adults aged =65 years: 24.7%-74.0% for states and territories, 48.6%-79.9% for MMSAs, and 47.6%-83.1% for counties. Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy ever received among adults aged =50 years: 37.8%-75.7% for states and territories, 37.3%-79.9% for MMSAs, and 37.3%-82.5% for counties. Blood stool test received during the preceding 2 years among adults aged =50 years: 8.5%-27.0% for states and territories, 6.7%-51.3% for MMSAs, and 6.8%-57.2% for counties. Women who reported having had a Papanicolaou test during the preceding 3 years: 67.8%-88.9% for states and territories, 63.3%-91.2% for MMSAs, and 63.2%-95.7% for counties. Women aged =40 years who had a mammogram during the preceding 2 years: 63.8%-83.6% for states and territories, 60.3%-86.2% for MMSAs, and 59.3%-89.7% for counties. Current cigarette smokers: 5.8%-26.8% for states and territories, 5.8%-28.5% for MMSAs, and 5.9%-29.8% for counties. Binge drinking during the preceding month: 6.6%-21.6% for states and territories, 3.6%-23.0% for MMSAs, and 3.8%-24.0% for counties. Heavy drinking during the preceding month: 2.0%-7.2% for states and territories, 1.0%-10.0% for MMSAs, and 1.0%-14.2% for counties. Adults reporting no leisure-time physical activity: 17.5%-42.3% for states and territories, 13.1%-37.6% for MMSAs, and 8.5%-39.0% for counties. Adults who were overweight: 32.6%-40.7% for states and territories, 28.5%-42.5% for MMSAs, and 27.2%-46.4% for counties. Adults aged =20 years who were obese: 22.1%-35.0% for states and territories, 17.1%-42.1% for MMSAs, and 13.3%-42.1% for counties. Adults with current asthma: 5.2%-11.1% for states and territories, 3.4%-14.5% for MMSAs, and 3.3%-14.6% for counties. Adults with diagnosed diabetes: 5.3%-13.2% for states and territories, 4.6%-15.4% for MMSAs, and 2.6%-18.8% for counties. Adults with limited activities because of physical, mental or emotional problems: 10.8%-28.2% for states and territories, 13.5%-38.3% for MMSAs, and 11.7%-32.0% for counties. Adults using special equipment because of any health problem: 2.8%-10.6% for states and territories, 4.5%-15.5% for MMSAs, and 1.3%-15.5% for counties. Adults aged =45 years who have had coronary heart disease: 5.3%-16.7% for states and territories, 6.5%-19.6% for MMSAs, and 4.9%-19.6% for counties. Adults aged =45 years who have had a stroke: 2.4%-7.1% for states and territories, 2.3%-8.8% for MSMAs, and 1.7%-8.8% for counties. Interpretation: The findings in this report indicate substantial variations in the health-risk behaviors, chronic diseases and conditions, access to health-care services, and the use of the preventive health services among U.S. adults at the state and territory, MMSA, and county levels. Healthy People 2010 (HP 2010) objectives were established to monitor health behaviors, conditions, and the use of preventive health services for the first decade of the 2000s. The findings in this report indicate that many of the HP 2010 objectives were not achieved by 2010. The findings underscore the continued need for surveillance of health-risk behaviors, chronic diseases, and conditions and of the use of preventive health-care services. Public Health Action: Local and state health departments and federal agencies use BRFSS data to identify populations at high risk for certain health-risk behaviors, chronic diseases, and conditions and to evaluate the use of preventive health-care services. BRFSS data also are used to direct, implement, monitor, and evaluate public health programs and policies that can lead to a reduction in morbidity and mortality from chronic conditions and corresponding health-risk behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral care is essential to maintain oral health and prevent complications such as tooth loss, gingivitis and periodontitis. Poor oral hygiene in dependent, hospitalised patients could lead to serious complications such as chest infection, pneumonia, poor nutritional intake and increased length of hospital stay. Patients who have had a stroke may have physical and cognitive problems that make them dependent on others for their personal care, including oral care. It is essential that nurses and carers understand why maintaining oral hygiene is important following stroke and the consequences of poor oral care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an overview of the importance of good oral health in older people and discusses the importance of promoting good oral health among older patients. A discussion of the relationship between nutrition and oral health, and of common oral and dental problems that are found in older people, is presented. The issue of oral cancer in older patients is examined.

Maintaining good oral hygiene in patients who have had a stroke is an essential part of care. This literature review highlights the poor provision of such care in acute medical and rehabilitation settings. It reveals a lack of evidence for current practices and suggests that research may be helpful in defining which nursing interventions are most effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the tongue-pressure resistance training as the focus in dysphagia rehabilitation. It states that the training addresses more generic oral-motor exercise, fatigue, exercise intensity and duration of treatment. It adds that tongue-pressure resistance exercise is established on the theory that the tongue is set on a skeletal muscle that may weakened with age or disease, but it may respond to exercise of the muscle. It further discusses the impact of the exercise on swallowing.

Oral hygiene is an essential aspect of nursing care. Poor oral care results in patients experiencing pain and discomfort, puts individuals at risk of nutritional deficiency and infection, and has an adverse effect on quality of life. This article describes how an oral care policy and assessment tool were updated ot ensure the implementation of evidence-based practice at one hospital in the Republic of Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining oral health is an essential aspect of patient care. Good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of infection and improve patients' quality of life. This article provides an overview of oral care to enable nurses to undertake assessment of the mouth and deliver appropriate care as part of the patient's hygiene routine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines how to manage patients who are nil by mouth (NBM) and maintain optimal nutritional status. Pre-operative fasting and other reasons why patients might be NBM, methods of administering nutritional support and nursing considerations, such as mouth care, urine output, intravenous therapy and skin assessment are also discussed. The article provides an insight into the psychological effects on patients who are NBM and emphasises the importance of patient education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To explore and identify precedent factors that may influence nursing students' oral hygiene practice in hospitalised patients, by using an adaptation of the Precede Model. METHOD: A quantitative approach with a descriptive design was adopted in this pilot study. A questionnaire was designed and implemented as a self-report method of data collection. A convenience sample of 37 second-year diploma nursing students in an Irish teaching hospital participated in the study. RESULTS: The clinical area and the practices within it are influential factors in the provision of oral hygiene. Students are exposed to and influenced by outdated and non-research-based practices. Role modelling is an effective means of motivating and reinforcing student practices. However, qualified nurses' practices need to be critically reviewed before assuming that they can act as role models in assisting students to implement research-based oral hygiene. CONCLUSION: Formal education, current practices, socialisation and role modelling may influence students' behaviour in relation to oral hygiene. The results should be tentatively reviewed by clinical staff as an indication of current practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article argues on mitigating delayed discharge of severely affected COVID-19 patients which increases their risks for deconditioning and pneumonia due to limited mobility and the requirement for them to test negative twice. It notes the improved supplies of protective personal equipment (PPE) and the need for instrumental swallowing studies for post-treatment. It also highlights the role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in working with multidisciplinary team for discharge planning.

The article offers information on a University of Minnesota project led by pediatric dentist Jeff Karp and involving Mark DeRuiter, the university's director of Graduate Studies and Clinical Education, aimed at improving the oral health care of children with special health care needs in Minnesota. Background information on the project is offered. The project also provides specific teleconference training to dentists and teaches families about the importance of oral health.

The article discusses a study of oral health in male health professionals by co-author Jae Hee Kang and published in an issue of the periodical "Ophthalmology" suggesting a relationship between tooth loss and greater risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). It mentions some study observations such as the 45% increased risk of POAG in men with tooth loss, 85% increased risk of POAG in men with tooth loss and periodontal disease and potential systemic effects of poor oral health on eye health.

The article describes the case of a 75-year man who went to the pharmacy to look for oral pain treatments. He wears dentures and takes lot of medications but has no known allergies. Recommendations on how a pharmacist can help the old man are presented. Several charts showing pharmacists recommended toothpaste products, menstruation products, and vaginal care products are presented

This article focuses on the growth in sales of Listerine mouthwash since the launch of its advertising campaign in 1925, and mentions the importance of Listerine in oral hygiene in the U.S.

The article discusses the role of dental and oral hygiene in glaucoma. Topics include a case-control study in the "Journal of Glaucoma" about a possible relationship of glaucoma to oral biomicrome, the outcomes measured in the case-control study, and bacteria as a cause for a casual relationship with conditions such as Parkinson's disease.

The author observes that pharmacists are in a pivotal position to advise diabetes patients of the availability of specialized over-the-counter (OTC) medications, multi-vitamin supplements, and oral care products that are formulated to be free of sugar or other ingredients that could adversely affect their blood glucose levels. However, she also warns pharmacists to screen for potential drug-drug interactions (PDDIs) or contraindications before recommending non-prescription products to patients.

The article emphasizes the importance of good oral hygiene to overall health. Clinical studies revealed that people with poor oral hygiene are at increased risk of developing oral health problems, such as perioodontal disease, halitosis and oral pain. Research also showed that oral diseases are associated with stroke, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, among others. Clinical information on periodontal disease, halitosis and dental caries is also given.

The article discusses the need to improve oral health care for adults living in care homes in Great Britain. Topics include the publication by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) of guidance on oral health, the difficulty among care home residents with dementia to describe teeth or gum problems, and the need to conduct an oral health assessment upon arrival of care home residents. Also mentioned is the impact of poor oral health on wellbeing and quality of life.

The article discusses issues related to oral care and products. Observing good oral hygiene is cited as a basic component of overall health and improper oral hygiene is the direct cause of dental caries, periodontal disease and halitosis. Patient counseling tips include emphasizing the importance of establishing routine oral hygiene practices and reminding patients to brush the upper surface of the tongue. Examples of over-the-counter (OTC) oral health care products include therapeutic mouth rinses.

The article presents a pharmacist's guide to oral care products for diabetic patients. It is estimated that about 75 percent to 80 percent of U.S. adults have some degree of periodontal disease. Pharmacists can assist diabetic patients in choosing suitable oral health care products by recommending products which have been proven to be effective. They can also encourage patients to consult with their dentists.

The article emphasizes the connection of poor oral care with the health concerns that affect the older people in the U.S. According to the Surgeon General's 2000 report on oral health in the U.S., seniors who live in nursing homes are at greater risk for oral health problems than those who live independently. Much of the resident care at nursing homes is medically centered, and sometimes oral health needs get overlooked. The importance of oral health is fundamental to a resident's general health and quality of life. Caregivers need to be vigilant in assessing and providing for the oral health needs of their residents.

Discusses the promotion of oral health for the elderly and long-term care residents in nursing facilities in the U.S. Importance of promoting oral health among residents of long-term care facilities; Effects of oral disease on the quality of life of a person; Diseases linked to chronical oral infection; Services of a registered dental hygienist as an oral health liaison in long-term care facilities; Equipment needed for dental treatments in nursing facilities.

Reports on the marketing and advertising strategy for Ferrero USA Inc. Tic Tac mints. Features of the television commercials of the product; Items that will be given away for free; Product display technique at Barneys.

The article discusses a study by researchers in Great Britain regarding the link between water fluoridation and hypothyroidism, suggesting to add fluoride in England's water supply.

The article presents 2014 news on medicine. The charity Sands released advice for bereaved families on helping children affected by the death of a baby. Great Britain's Center for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education has launched online tools for nurses to help support the implementation of clinical guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Former nurse Ellen Armistead has been appointed as chief inspector of hospitals by Great Britain's Care Quality Commission.

David Newnham has a vision in the waiting room. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article in the August 8, 2012 issue by Hazel Dickinson on maintaining oral health in patients who have had a stroke.

A letter to the editor is presented which is concerned with the role that nurses can play in promoting good oral hygiene in hospital patients.

The article reports on a study conducted by Kelly Swanson and her colleagues at the University of Illinois which reveals the need of oral health care in infants even before the presence of teeth.

The article offers news briefs in oral health. A study presented during the 2011 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology meeting showed that gum disease in women is related with prolonged time to pregnancy. A report issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) showed that the increasing consumption of sports and energy drinks among children and adolescents could have harmful health effects.

The article reports on research which was published in "The Lancet Infectious Diseases" and found that oral antiseptics for mouth care used in intubated patients can help prevent the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

The article focuses on a study published in an issue of the "International Journal of Dentistry," results of which stress the importance for adolescents with diabetes to improve their oral health as they are prone to develop periodontal disease.

An abstract of the article “Toothbrushing, inflammation and risk of cardiovascular disease: results from the Scottish Health Study,” by C. de Oliveira and others is presented.

The article reports that Johnson & Johnson, parent company of mouth wash brand Listerine, plans to combat poor sales by launching a short educational film about the mouth.

The article focuses on a study which revealed that rinsing with a supersaturated electrolyte rinse may help alleviate the occurrence or severity of oral mucositis associated with chemotherapy and radiation treatment. An open-label, nonrandomized study was conducted to observe the effect of early intervention with a supersaturated electrolyte oral rinse.

The author reflects on oral hygiene as a special care in nursing older people. She relates how important oral hygiene for personal comfort and nutritional status by taking an extra effort to clean the dentures of her patient. The author stresses that assisting older patients with personal care is a task delegated to support staff; however, her experience taught her a lesson on autonomous and accountable profession.