A study on oral rehabilitation in stroke patients: analysis of a group of 33 patients.

BACKGROUND

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the world after cardiovascular disease and cancer. This study aimed to investigate the oro-dental status and removable denture conditions in stroke survivors.

METHODS

At the Department of Vascular Disease of the Neurological Clinic of the Polyclinic Hospital of Bari, from January 2003 to May 2008, 189 consecutive patients were examined who had had a stroke, to select removable denture wearers. The oro-dental examination was performed in a period between 12 and 60 months after the stroke and among these 189 patients, 60 were wearing a removable denture, but only 33 participated in our research. All the patients gave written informed consent.

RESULTS

It was observed that in 42.4%, removable dentures needed to be remade, in 27.3%, they needed to be rebased and in 30.3%, they were adequate.

CONCLUSION

The role of oral health providers is fundamental in order to maintain good oral health and to avoid oral diseases in stroke patients. They should, indeed, monitor these patients with a regular follow-up after 1 month and every 3-4 months.