The overall health of an individual is directly impacted by their oral health and to explore more in the domain of the overall health of an individual. At a dental care, we strive to make our patients, readers, and clients aware of all the possibilities about poor oral hygiene evolving into severe health conditions and risks involved in the process. A commonly asked question is about stroke and oral health. It is said that an individual loses their life due to a stroke every four minutes.
Does stroke have anything to do with overall oral health?
So, to understand the connection, let’s dive into a little detail about the two and their connection.
Stroke
When a blood vessel in the brain bursts or oxygen is prevented from reaching the brain by a blood clot a stroke occurs. Some of the physical signs of a stroke are weakness in the arm, a drooping face, and impaired or slurred speech. Even though people of all ages are prone to a stroke there are some groups of people who are at a greater risk.
Lifestyle Effects
According to dental care Houston unhealthy lifestyle choices like smoking, obesity, people following a sedentary lifestyle, those with diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are more prone to having a stroke.
The Age Factor
Age plays a major role and those above the age of 65 are more susceptible to strokes.
Research says that poor oral health is one of the major causes of stroke. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to gum disease.
Oral After Care Following a Stroke
- Try to keep the toothbrush at the same place for convenience
- Brushing can be made easier with an electric toothbrush.
- In case of difficulty in holding a toothbrush, a larger plastic grip can be added to the handle of the brush.
- Keep sipping water to avoid dryness in the mouth.
Care Giver Tips
- Let the time and place for oral care be chosen by the patient.
- A patient can be motivated to become independent through appreciation.
- In case the patient is unable to swallow, use a minimum quantity of the toothpaste while helping them brush
- In case using a toothbrush is not possible, the mouth can be cleaned with a swab or a wet towel.
- A tongue cleaner can be used for removing food particles and bacteria.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused due to bacteria overgrowing in the mouth. The symptoms of gum disease are swollen and red gums which can easily bleed. This can be prevented with proper oral care like flossing, brushing teeth twice a day, using a mouthwash, perio dental cleaning, and regular dental checkups.
Connection Between Stroke and Oral Health
Stroke and gum diseases are connected through inflammation. Bacterial infection can cause inflammation after entering the bloodstream and making the blood clot which can lead to a stroke.
According to Union Dental Houston TX, the first and foremost thing to prevent a stroke is to follow good oral care practice. people who have suffered from a stroke in the past and are unable to follow proper oral hygiene require support.
Patients may require a lot of compassion and patience if they have any physical or cognitive limitations.
In stroke patients can suffer from the motor as well as sensory deficits. While undergoing rehabilitation for a stroke, people often tend to neglect oral care. People may be prevented from practicing good oral care due to lack of coordination, physical inability, and cognitive problems which accompany a stroke.
Thus, there is an important connection between oral health and a stroke and it becomes more important to focus on oral hygiene once you have suffered a stroke.
A dentist near 77093 will help you in developing good oral hygiene practices which can help you in preventing oral diseases that can subsequently lead to a stroke. Apart from this, maintaining good health habits and following a routine will help you avoid a stroke.
