Utilization of a Continuous Saliva Suction Oral Appliance in a Bedfast Patient With Muscular Dystrophy: A Case Report

A 28-year-old man with muscular dystrophy was bedridden, requiring 24-hour respiratory support with a ventilator. Owing to repeated episodes of aspiration pneumonia, he was fed through a gastrostomy tube. Mouth opening was limited to 1.5 cm, and he received regular house-call dental treatments to maintain oral hygiene. Owing to excessive saliva production, the patient's family performed oral suction every 10-15 min, which placed a significant burden on them. To alleviate this problem, we proposed the use of an oral appliance. We developed a continuous aspiration oral appliance using information obtained from an intraoral scanner and partial impression-taking. After implementing the device, the frequency of suctions decreased significantly, satisfying the patient and his family. Current advances in technology allow for the creation of oral appliances in many cases, including in-home care settings, benefiting older adults and individuals with severe disabilities who require aspiration prevention.