It is generally accepted that perioperative management of oral function can help to prevent complications. Since fiscal 2016, perioperative management of oral function in palliative care patients has been covered by government health insurance. We conducted a clinical study of 171 palliative care patients who visited our department over the 3-year period from January 2013 to December 2015. We also studied the differences between the palliative care physicians and actual oral disease. A questionnaire survey was administered to 18 nurses working in palliative care units. In general, patients with end-stage disease are prone to a variety of oral problems. The survey revealed the current situation that they feel the need for oral care but cannot do enough. Currently, perioperative management of oral function for palliative care patients has achieved specific results. It is suggested that it is necessary to provide dental care as a prophylactic treatment rather than conventional symptomatic treatment in order to further improve the perioperative management of periodontic function.
