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If you've been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, you might be concerned about the disorder affecting your oral health. The lack of motor control can hinder your usual hygiene routine, causing problems like cavities to arise. Luckily, frequent visits to a dentist help prevent these issues. Here is a guide to how the condition affects your dental health and how to manage it.

Common Dental Issues

Those with Parkinson's disease experience motor symptoms which can make the traditional oral hygiene routine difficult. When teeth are not properly cared for, it can prompt various dental issues. For instance, it may give rise to an increase in plaque and tartar, potentially leading to inflamed gums and cavities. 

The condition also makes swallowing less effective, causing saliva to build up in the mouth and move dentures around. The lack of control over the prosthetics can result in ulcers or blisters in the mouth, making speaking and eating tough. 

Home Management Tips

Even though people with Parkinson's have difficulty with routine motor functions, there are many ways to help prevent dental health problems. Limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks helps reduce the chance of plaque buildup and decay.

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Ensure you clean your teeth twice a day, but find the right routine that suits you. Stand hips-width apart or sit on a chair to provide support during the process. If it's challenging to brush both sides at once, go over one half in the morning and the other before bed. You can also use an electric toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your teeth and avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after cleaning.

Unwashed dentures can lead to irritation and infection inside your mouth. If you have these prosthetics, clean them over a sink to prevent them from falling and breaking. Use a special brush with regular soap, as toothpaste and bleach are abrasive and can damage the dentures.

How a Dentist Can Help

Visit a dentist at least every six months for regular checkups and alert them of your condition. A professional experienced with Parkinson's will adjust treatment to work with the disorder and provide oral hygiene strategies to make the process easier for you. Let them know about your current medication, as they can determine whether it can cause a dry mouth.

Due to movement issues that can affect the mouth, people with Parkinson's often find dentures problematic. Ask a dentist about a dental implant, a replacement tooth that is surgically secured and keeps the jawbone strong and intact. It can be used to support one tooth and provide an attachment point for numerous teeth and dentures.

 

If you're looking for a dentist to help you prevent dental issues associated with Parkinson's disease, visit Oahu Dental Care in Pearl City, HI. Since 1990, this local family-owned business has provided quality services with exceptional care to patients on the west side of Oahu. To schedule your first appointment, visit their website or call (808) 456-5005. 

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