Oral Health Status in Patients with Dysphagia: A Case Series

Objective: Dysphagia, characterized by difficulty in chewing and swallowing due to neuromuscular disorders, affects patients with stroke, neurological diseases, and head and neck cancer as well as aging patients. This condition can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia, highlighting the need for effective oral health management. Methods: We examined patients with dysphagia admitted to the rehabilitation department of a university hospital in Seoul, Korea. A case-series approach was used to assess various oral health issues, including attrition, dry mouth, mucosal disease, tongue muscle paralysis, and poor oral hygiene. Medical records were reviewed to evaluate the severity of dysphagia and functional status using the Korean-Modified Barthel Index. Results: Our findings revealed oral health problems in patients with dysphagia, and individualized interventions such as liquid thickeners, oral moisturizers, protective dressings, and oral motor exercises were applied. Caregivers were trained in oral care techniques to prevent complications. Conclusions: These results underscore the role of effective oral health management, including moisturizers, exercises, and protective treatments as well as caregiver education regarding tailored oral care strategies, which are crucial for enhancing quality of life in patients with dysphagia. This report provides practical guidance for healthcare professionals and caregivers in managing the oral health of patients with dysphagia.