Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Nancy Brittingham, BS, RDH
With so many PSP symptoms so difficult to treat, this article addresses something that we all CAN DO to manage an important activity of daily living: maintaining good oral hygiene. When this task becomes difficult for the patient, it is time for the caregiver to step in and assist. As a caregiver, our list of tasks is ever-increasing and can seem overwhelming. We have so much to do, and oftentimes, oral hygiene care becomes a low priority and a routine that is easily forgotten. Yet, maintaining good oral hygiene should be a priority because doing so will help the patient maintain oral comfort, prevent bad breath, reduce gum disease and tooth decay, and reduce pneumonia or lung infection caused by oral bacteria.
As PSP and CBD progress, swallowing problems develop as a result of reduced coordination of throat muscles. One result is difficulty forming the watertight seal that separates the pathway to the lungs( the trachea) from the pathway to the stomach( the esophagus). Food“ going down the wrong pipe” is called pulmonary aspiration. Frequent episodes of small amounts of liquid and food dripping into the lungs can cause lung inflammation, or aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is a bacterial infection that can be fatal. Good oral hygiene may not prevent aspirating during eating and drinking, but it will minimize additional bacterial growth in the mouth that can be aspirated during coughing or choking spells. Dental care is just as important to one’ s health and daily routine as is taking medications and getting physical exercise.
Tips for Your Dental Visit
• Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible after diagnosis. Take a list of ANY medical conditions and allergies you have and all the medications you’ re taking, including nonprescription drugs, inhalers, nutritional supplements, and skin patches.
• Educate the dental staff about your disease. Bring printed information. It is important for the dentist and hygienist to understand your symptoms to be able to work most effectively with you.
• Bring all insurance, billing, and legal information. The dentist may need legal consent before treatment begins.
• Although most dental insurance plans cover two cleanings a year, it would be a good investment for those with special needs, such as people with PSP or CBD, to consider three or four per year.
• Be on time for your appointment.
• Ask your dentist about prescribing a fluoride dental paste or rinse to help prevent decay.
• Request a fluoride treatment.
• Ask your dentist to make sure partials or dentures are fitting correctly and that adjustments are made in a timely manner.
• Make sure your X-rays are up to date.
• Make sure the dental office is wheelchair accessible.
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How to Brush Teeth
Make sure your teeth are brushed at least twice a day, with the last brushing being after the last meal or snack in the evening.