Emergency dentistry patients could be interested to hear that the oral health of hospital patients has been overlooked by medical professionals, a new study has suggested.
Data collected from the UK, US, France and the Netherlands has revealed that unwell individuals are often at increased risk of developing plaque and inflammation as a result of staff shortcomings, the British Dental Health Foundation has revealed.
Based on five studies conducted between 1998 and 2009, the research discovered that patients with breathing problems are under threat of deteriorating oral health.
A decline in overall wellbeing and quality of life was also linked to the negative effect on nutritional status caused by long stays in hospital.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the BDHF, said: "The help of close family and friends during hospital stays can make a difference to this aspect of their care and wellbeing and more should be done to encourage their involvement."
This news comes after the BDHF called for increased research into the benefits of using an artificial nose to detect the early signs of oral cancer.