Mouth care for stroke patients

It may not come to mind that oral health and having a stroke are related. However, your oral health can directly affect your heart and general health. Oral bacteria and gum disease can easily find their way into your bloodstream, increasing the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Mouth care after a stroke

After a stroke, good oral hygiene has been found to reduce complications and improve the quality of life of survivors. As a stroke can result in the impairment of your coordination, several abilities and cause paralysis, you should receive support to look after your mouth and teeth.

A build-up of germs in your mouth can lead to several problems such as swallowing problems, changes to taste and smell as well as tooth decay and gum infections. If you face any swallowing problems, your medical team should be able to give personalised advice on how to manage this.

Oral hygiene is more than just brushing your teeth. It includes your general mouth area, gums and tongue. Stroke patients can suffer from having thick mucus or dry tongues. To help avoid this, use the appropriate materials (such as toothbrushes, tongue scrapers and mouth wash), rinse thoroughly and brush gently to not irritate the cheek and gums.

Additional tips for good mouth care for stroke patients:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day or if possible, after every meal. This will include cleaning dentures. Dentures will also have to be taken out overnight.
• It is also important to clean your mouth and tongue on top of your teeth.
• Keeping your mouth moist with drinks, saliva spray or recommended gels.
• Visit your dentist regularly to keep your teeth and mouth healthy as well as implementing any additional advice.
• Creating an oral hygiene routine will help you stay consistent in taking care of your mouth.
• Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, including food supplements, as they can damage your teeth. If you do have these, make sure to do your oral hygiene routine after eating or drinking.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

At Cavendish Homecare, providing home care for stroke patients is one of the specialist homecare services we offer.  We understand that recovery periods after a stroke, or Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA), vary greatly and that rehabilitation needs to be tailored to each individual’s needs.  We can offer the level of assistance needed and we can adjust the amount of support offered as the patient recovers.

If you would like to discuss your stroke care needs and potential costs, please do not hesitate to contact or email us at info@cavendishhomecare.com