Dysphagia: when oral health care is difficult to swallow

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty in swallowing. It can occur secondary to multiple medical diagnoses and is more common in people aged over 65 years. This article focuses on the impact dysphagia may have on oral care as well as the importance of providing thorough, safe oral care advice to patients and caregivers. The article discusses the case of a patient with dysphagia and a severe learning disability who required a general anaesthetic for dental treatment. This patient had been given inappropriate oral hygiene advice by a health professional, which contributed to his need for dental treatment. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Clinicians should consider adapting dental treatment for patients who have difficulty swallowing.