Dental Health and Parkinson's

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD. 

To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/au9AOJcc_7Y

Dental health is an important part of Parkinson's care, but it's often overlooked.

In this week's Pearls for Parkinson's, we discuss how Parkinson's can affect brushing, flossing, swallowing, dry mouth, and routine dental visits. You'll also hear practical tips - including a simple water flosser trick that might make your daily routine a little easier.

Taking care of your smile is another way of taking care of your overall health.

Listen now and share with a friend, care partner, or support group.

To support more programs like this: https://wiparkinson.app.neoncrm.com/forms/support-pearls4pd

Wisconsin Parkinson Association 
website: https://wiparkinson.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:04

Welcome to Pearls for Parkinson's. Here is this week's daily living tip. Welcome back to Pearls for Parkinson's. Today we're talking about dental health and Parkinson's. You know, when we think about Parkinson's, we usually think about movement, but your mouth is full of muscles that depend on movement too. Parkinson's can affect the muscles used for chewing, swallowing, speaking, and even how well you can open your mouth for brushing your teeth, which can make dental care more challenging than people may expect. Similar things come together to affect oral health. Dexterity changes can make it harder to brush and floss effectively. Tremor or stiffness can make it difficult to reach certain areas of the mouth. And some people also experience dry mouth from medications, while others notice drooling because they're swallowing less often. Dry mouth deserves special attention because saliva protects your teeth. It helps wash away bacteria and neutralize acids and reduce the risk of cavities. If your mouth often feels dry, sipping water throughout the day, chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candy, if it's safe for you, can be helpful, or you can ask your dentist or health provider about saliva substitutes or mouth rinses designed for dry mouth. Choosing the right toothbrush can also make brushing easier. Many people find that an electric toothbrush does much of the work for them, especially if hand dexterity has become more difficult. A toothbrush with a larger handle or built-up grip can also be easier to hold. If flossing has become frustrating, don't give up on cleaning between your teeth. Floss picks or water flossers can do an excellent job. If you've ever tried a water flosser, it may seem messy. So here's a simple tip. Many people find it's much easier to use in the shower. It keeps the water contained, makes cleanup effortless, and may encourage you to use it more often and consistently. Another change I often hear about is food collecting in the cheeks or along the gums after a meal. Parkinson's can reduce that automatic movement of the tongue and the cheeks that normally helps to clear the food out of the mouth. So taking a few extra sips of water after eating or brushing after meals when it's possible, and checking your mouth before you leave the table can help prevent food from remaining in the mouth and causing teeth damage. Don't let your Parkinson's keep you from seeing your dentist. I've had many patients who say they felt uncomfortable or embarrassed about their tremor or other symptoms during an appointment, but your dental team is there to help and they don't judge. They care for people with movement disorders every day and want to help you maintain a healthy smile. Let them know you have Parkinson's before your visit so they can make accommodations to keep you comfortable. It's also helpful to schedule your appointments during your best on time when your medications are working well and movement is easier. If sitting in the dental chair for a long time is difficult, ask whether your visit can be divided into two shorter visits. Don't overlook these routine dental visits. Those small problems are much easier to treat than larger ones, and regular cleanings and examinations can help prevent infections, preserve your teeth, and make eating more comfortable. Thank you for listening to Pearls for Parkinson's. If you like this episode, hit that like button, share it with a friend or a support group, and tune in next Monday for more Pearls for Parkinson's. The Wisconsin Parkinson Association is a grassroots organization funded by people like you. To support more local programming like this, visit wiparkinson.org.