Oral hygiene

Surveys from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that 30-40% of people aged 15 years and over reported adverse oral health impact. It is even more difficult for stroke patients to maintain oral health due to physical weakness, lack of coordination, and impaired cognitive state, and oral health has been found to be significantly poorer after stroke.

Together with swallowing impairment, all these factors impact on an individual’s nutritional intake, which in turn has a negative impact on rehabilitation and other functional outcomes. Moreover, complications such as chest infection, pneumonia, and heart diseases have been found to be associated with poor oral hygiene and dental diseases.

For current research and evidence-based recommendations see our Clinical Guidelines.