Hemiplegia and oral health

Abstract

Oral health problems are often neglected due to other problems that are thought to be more vital in stroke patients. However, oral health is a significant quality of life determinant and needs to be protected in stroke patients as well as general population. Moreover, problems such as hemiparesis, hemiplegia, dysphagia, balance and coordination disorder and cognitive dysfunction due to strokes have a very negative impact on the self -care and/or care support of the caregivers. In this study, we aimed to search a large number of health databases and make a compilation on oral health problems, impact on quality of life and solutions in stroke patients. Keywords ‘oral, dental, health, care, hygiene, dental, prosthesis, denture, tooth brushing, stroke, cerebrovascular and cardiovascular’ and combinations of these words were searched in the literature. Studies involving at least one subject for oral health in stroke patients were included in the review. In the literature, it was seen that the oral health of the stroke patients was discussed more about mastication, swallowing, dysphagia, nutrition, hygiene, prosthesis and quality of life. It was concluded that there are no sufficient assessment and care guides that can be used by stroke patients or caregivers, and the information of dentists, patients and caregivers about special care for stroke patients was not sufficient.