Background Although oral hygiene is an essential aspect of care for every patient admitted to hospital (Jenkins 1989, Watson 1989), it would appear that oral care procedures are not based on research evidence but on tradition, anecdotal evidence and subjective assessments. This article reviews the research evidence for oral care to identify best practice.

Conclusion There is substantial literature on mouth care, but research does not substantiate current methods of oral care. Research-based education on mouth care should be promoted within the nursing curricula.