Oral hygiene in stroke survivors undergoing rehabilitation: does upper extremity motor function matters?

My left hand can't grasp anything as small as a toothbrush, maybe the electric toothbrush might be the minimum size for me to actually grasp. I'll try it.

Oral hygiene in stroke survivors undergoing rehabilitation: does upper extremity motor function matters?

 

IU Lawal , R Ibrahim & KJ Ramphoma

Received 19 Jul 2020, Accepted 28 Oct 2020, Published online: 07 Nov 2020

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• https://doi.org/10.1080/10749357.2020.18450

 

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ABSTRACT

Background: 

Traditionally, stroke rehabilitation outcomes are based on indicators of physical function, such measures may underrate the all-inclusive impact of stroke such as oral health. 

Objectives: 

To investigate the relationship between upper extremity motor function and oral hygiene status as well as the impact of stroke on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). 

Methods: 

Sixty stroke survivors were included in this cross-sectional survey. Spasticity and motor function/mobility of the affected upper extremity were assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale and Action Research Arm Test, respectively. Oral hygiene was assessed using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index and oral health impact was assessed using the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile. Pearson’s moment correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between oral hygiene and upper extremity motor function variables. 

Results: 

There were significant relationships between the oral hygiene index and Shoulder muscles spasticity (r = 0.374, p = .01), wrist muscles spasticity (r = 0.352, p = .01), as well as basic mobility (r = 0.423, p = .01). An estimated 8% (n = 5) of study participants have their QoL strongly impacted by their oral health. 

Conclusions: 

Upper extremity motor function variables such as spasticity and basic mobility matters in determining oral hygiene status after stroke. Stroke has little impact on oral health-related quality of life.

 

No sink? No problem. Edible ‘toothbrush’ aims to make oral hygiene easier, more accessible

But would we really want to make life easier for stroke survivors by using this? Loading up a toothbrush and brushing your teeth is one of the therapy exercises that would no longer exist.
I fully believe in Peter Levines comment about What if you made it harder?
http://medcitynews.com/2014/01/sink-problem-edible-toothbrush-aims-make-oral-hygiene-easier-accessible/?

Forget coffee, now you can get caffeine in your TOOTHBRUSH

You can read about all the great results of using caffeine here;
http://oc1dean.blogspot.com/2012/10/caffeine-good-vs-bad.html

Of course, you will need to make sure you don't use this for your nightly brushing. And since the caffeine gum is discontinued this would be a great solution. Do you really think your hospital will read research on caffeine and provide these toothbrushes to stroke patients?

Forget coffee, now you can get caffeine in your TOOTHBRUSH

• Firm has applied for patents for a range of brushes with flavours and even an appetite suppressant on them
• Could also be used to deliver correct doses of drugs to patients

The patent application from the Colgate-Palmolive Company revealed technology that would allow chemicals to be embedded into the heads of standard toothbrushes and slowly released during use.
The firm showed off plans for everything from mint and apple flavoured patches to a caffeine patch to wake up the weary in the morning.

Diagrams and more at the link.