Dysphagia: pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, and dental management.

Dysphagia is a common side effect of many systemic conditions that greatly affect oral care. This article draws from the literature concerning the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of dysphagia as it relates to dental care. Treatment of dysphagia requires a multidisciplinary approach. Dentists are integral to the management of dysphagic patients, which includes improving natural or artificial dentition to aid in mastication and function and stressing the importance of adequate oral hygiene.