Stroke: dental considerations

For the medical management of stroke, see Stroke and transient ischaemic attack.

In dental practice, first-aid management of stroke is outlined here.

Patients who have had a stroke may be taking antithrombotic therapy—see Antithrombotic drugs: considerations for oral and dental procedures.

Patients who have had a stroke may have a physical impairment that affects their ability to carry out usual oral hygiene practices. Patients with a residual neurological deficit of the arm can have difficulty cleaning their teeth. Large-handled or powered toothbrushes can improve the effectiveness of oral hygiene.

Patients with seventh cranial (facial) nerve weakness accumulate food debris on the affected side and can have difficulty with denture fitting. Modifications to denture design include a thickened flange. Consider an implant-borne prosthesis—the patient must be sufficiently healthy to undergo the surgical procedure and be able to maintain good oral hygiene.