Caring For Oral Health Of Stroke Survivors

As we observe National Stroke Week, it is important to know some facts about this condition and how it affects oral health of survivors.

• Stroke is Australia’s second biggest killer after coronary heart disease and a leading cause of disability, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
• 65 percent of those living with stroke also suffer a disability that impedes their ability to carry out daily living activities unassisted
• Stroke can affect oral and facial tissues, and this may result in difficulty in eating, swallowing and speaking.
• The oral effects of stroke can also allow more food to accumulate around teeth, and make it more difficult to clean the teeth thoroughly.

It is important then to include oral health in the rehabilitation of a stroke survivor. This guideline by the British Society of Gerodontology is a helpful resource on how to care for oral health of stroke survivors.