Oral and Dental Care in Parkinson’s Disease

Tips to Help Prevent Dental and Gum Problems in Parkinson’s Disease

It’s important to monitor oral health in Parkinson’s disease. Today we will share practical tips to help prevent dental and gum issues and maintain their health.

1. Use a toothbrush with a large handle, small head, and soft bristles to make cleaning the back teeth more accessible. You can replace a regular brush with an electric one. Oral hygiene should be performed after every meal for 2 minutes, not forgetting to clean the tongue. For ease of coordination and less trauma to the mucosa, it is better to brush your teeth with the dominant hand, which has more developed strength. If you cannot brush your teeth after eating, rinse your mouth with water. It is recommended to rinse the oral cavity with fluoride-containing products. If rinsing is difficult  can be applied with a brush or a special dental applicator
2. If you have dental prostheses, remove them after each meal, brush, and rinse them. Patients often face the problem of prostheses falling to the floor, so handle them over a soft surface or a sink filled with water. If saliva production decreases, use sugar-free lozenges or special artificial saliva substitutes to regulate its production. Consider the possibility of dental implants with your dentist. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, spicy, and acidic foods, as they can affect both the quality of your teeth and dental prostheses.
3. Don’t hesitate to inform your dentist about Parkinson’s disease symptoms – it will help avoid more serious problems in the future.

During visits, you should report   inform the dentist about taking monoamine oxidase B inhibitors (e.g., selegiline), as this group of medications may interact with anesthetics and requires the specialist to clarify intervention details.

Consider replacing old fillings, crowns, and dentures at the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, as the condition may progress in the future and cause even more difficulties during dental visits  

5 reasons to visit a dentist with Parkinson’s disease

Why is it important to visit the dentist regularly and help your loved ones with Parkinson’s disease maintain dental and gum health?

1. Parkinson’s disease can impair the function of facial and tongue muscles, leading to problems with swallowing and chewing. The deterioration of dental quality, early wear, and tooth loss create additional challenges for patients and may contribute to disrupted eating habits and the development of depression.
2. Often in Parkinson’s disease, patients experience swallowing problems. Poorly chewed food is a risk factor for the aspiration of a food bolus, leading to a dangerous condition affecting the lungs — aspiration pneumonia.
3. The oral cavity is a nutrient-rich environment for bacterial growth. Gum inflammation may indicate periodontal disease, the destruction of bone tissue supporting the teeth. With excessive bacterial growth in the oral cavity, the microflora can enter the bloodstream if the patient has dental or gum disease, affecting other organ systems.
4. When teeth and gums are affected, bacteria that enter the bloodstream can infect not only organs and tissues but also electrodes implanted during deep brain stimulation, vascular stents, hip joint prostheses, etc.
5. Changes in salivation can affect the condition of the oral cavity. Excessive salivation can contribute to the development of fungal infections in the corners of the mouth, while reduced salivation increases the risk of cavities and other oral diseases.