Evaluation of Oral Health in Stroke Patients

Abstract

Objectives: Oral health problems are frequently seen in stroke patients and are known to be associated with pneumonia, cognitive disorders, sensorimotor deficits, and even mortality. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there is a difference in oral health between adults who have had a stroke and healthy age-matched adults. Materials and Methods: In total, 58 individuals who had a stroke and 26 healthy individuals were included in the study. The "Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT)" and a demographic information form were used as assessment tools in the study. An independent t-test was used to analyze differences between the groups. Data were collected face-to-face. Results: The control group scored lower than stroke survivors in all sub-dimensions of the OHAT except the salivary sub-dimension (p<0.001). Similarly, in the total score, it was determined that the control group had significantly better oral health than stroke patients. Conclusion: Oral health is a serious problem in individuals who have had a stroke compared to healthy adults. Oral health should be closely monitored and treated in stroke patients, especially in hospital settings.

Keywords

• oral health
• stroke
• oral health assessment tool (OHAT)
• comparative study

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