[What measures are described in the literature for treatment of mouth problems? An analysis of German and English publications between 1990 and 2001].

The "mucous membrane, altered" is a frequently observed nursing diagnosis. It manifests itself in varying and extremely unpleasant forms of strain on the patient, even life-threatening complications are possible. The publications on mouth changes originate in the field of nursing care, however there is an increasing number in the medical fields of dentistry, oncology and microbiology as well as hygiene. A variety of remedies and instruments are suggested for nursing and treating patients with mouth problems. The purpose of the literary study was to summarize the mouth alterations to be dealt with according to each fundamental problem area as well as to systematize the available remedies and methods--which almost defy an orderly overview--according to the problem areas.