Oral Health in Patients Hospitalized Because of Ischemic Stroke

Assessment of Oral Health in Patients Hospitalized Because of Ischemic Stroke

Maintaining good oral health is essential for general health and quality of life. Results of many anal-yses showed that stroke patients had poorer oral condition and worse periodontal status than control population. The aim of the study was to carry out a clinical observation concerning condition of oral health in stroke patients and healthy population.

The oral health was assessed in patients with stroke and in (control group). The following elements were assessed: missing teeth, the presence of active caries foci, the presence of existing fillings and prosthetic restorations. To assess oral hygiene API (Approximal Plaque Index) was used. As part of periodontal examina-tion, the following were assessed: the presence of dental deposits, the depth of the existing periodontal pockets, tooth mobility according to Hall and Sulcus Bleeding Index during probing (SBI).

Inclusion Criteria:

• first ischemic stroke, with symptoms from the anterior cerebral artery (basin of the internal carotid artery), with a significant neurological deficit (minimum 3 points according to National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS))

Exclusion Criteria:

• aphasia, disturbances of consciousness, mental disorders- making it impossible to express informed consent,
• surgery of the salivary glands- disrupting the secretion of saliva,
• diseases that disrupt salivary secretion (diabetes mellitus, Sjogren's syndrome, condition after radio-therapy in the area of the salivary glands)