Introduction
Parkinson’s disease is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder in North America, following Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease often experience neuromuscular, cognitive, and postural impairments that make oral self‑care difficult.
Orofacial complications may include weakened facial musculature, tremors of the tongue, lips, and eyes, erratic mandibular movements, bruxism, dry mouth, sialorrhea (drooling), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and dysgeusia (altered taste). These complications can lead to additional oral health concerns such as angular cheilitis, dental attrition, temporomandibular disorders, burning mouth syndrome, hyposmia (reduced sense of smell), and hypophonia (weak voice).
The effects of Parkinson’s disease on the orofacial complex can lead to poor nutrition, which may worsen weight loss and negatively influence physical, psychosocial, and emotional well‑being. Oral health professionals should be able to recognize oral and systemic signs of Parkinson’s disease to support optimal management and improve outcomes for clients living with the condition.
Objective
This paper provides practical recommendations for managing clients with Parkinson’s disease. It addresses key topics relevant to clinical care, including:
- Etiology and neuromuscular pathology
- Signs and symptoms
- Therapies for managing motor and nonmotor symptoms
- Orofacial complications and their management
- Treatment planning and strategies for delivering safe oral care
Conclusions
Oral health professionals play an important role in managing Parkinson’s disease because the condition commonly causes orofacial complications. Recognizing early systemic signs can support timely referral and diagnosis. Since clients often rely on multiple medications, collaboration with physicians and neurologists helps reduce drug‑related risks. Understanding the oral impacts of Parkinson’s and how to manage them is essential for providing safe, effective oral care.
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