Role of Oral Health in Dysphagic Stroke Recovery

Purpose: Oral health deteriorates easily in stroke patients, which may lead to aspiration pneumonia. The purpose of this review was to elucidate the importance of oral health in stroke recovery. Recent findings: In the acute phase, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most serious respiratory complication and increases the mortality of stroke. Chemical cleaning with chlorhexidine along with mechanical oral care may decrease VAP risk. Maintaining oral health in stroke patients remains important in rehabilitation and nursing home settings. In the chronic phase, oral care performed by the individual is often inadequate due to hemiplegia and may require caregiver assistance. After mechanical removal of oral contaminants, mouth wipes represent an alternative to rinsing with water to reduce the risk of aspiration-related pneumonia. Proper denture hygiene will also reduce pneumonia risk and improve outcome in stroke patients. Summary: To prevent aspiration pneumonia in stroke recovery, oral health care as well as exercises that enhance swallowing ability are essential. It is important to maintain oral health from the acute phase through to the chronic phase of stroke recovery.