Oral health in patients with neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular disease: a retrospective study

Purpose This retrospective study investigates oral health and oral care in patients with neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) treated in a dental facility for people with disabilities.Methods Oral health indices decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), periodontal screening index (PSI), treatment spectrum, and oral hygiene were evaluated in 152 patients with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and CVD and 30 controls. Regression analyses identified group differences and influencing factors on DMFT.Results Patients with neurodegenerative or CVD had a significantly higher DMFT (21.2 ± 5.8 vs. 18.3 ± 5.9), more decayed teeth (4.3 ± 4.8 vs. 1 ± 1.9), fewer filled teeth (7.9 ± 5.5 vs. 11 ± 5.6), and a higher number of surgical (39.5% vs. 20%) treatments but significantly less conservative (49.3% vs. 73.3%) and prosthetic (15.1% vs. 56.7%) treatments than the control group (p< 0.05). The frequency of toothbrushing and the use of an electric toothbrush were related to lower DMFT in patients with neurodegenerative and CVD. Smoking was associated with higher DMFT.Conclusions Poor oral health was found in all individuals with disabilities, suggesting that limitations in oral care attributed to aging and neurological disorders negatively affect oral health. Oral rehabilitation of patients with disabilities requires awareness of oral health limitations and early intervention through dental care. Implications for rehabilitationPoor oral health and oral hygiene is common among older people with disabilities.To optimize oral rehabilitation of patients with disabilities, early intervention, individualized treatment plans and an adapted time frame for dental treatment are required.Education of dentists, caregivers, and family members is essential for oral rehabilitation and improvement of oral hygiene in patients with disabilities.