The Relationship Between Oral Health and Dysphagia in Patients with Acute Stroke: A Cross-Sectional and Correlational Study

Purpose: Dysphagia is a common complication after a stroke. Maintaining oral health is of vital importance in stroke patients.This study aimed to examine the relationship between oral health and dysphagia in acute stroke patients upon ICU admission.Methods: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 82 acute stroke patients in the neurology and stroke ICU of a hospital in southern Türkiye. Data were collected within 24 hours of admission using the Patient Information Form, Turkish Modified Mann Swallowing Assessment Test (TR-MMASA Test), and Oral Assessment Guide (OAG). Analyses included t-test, ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U test, and linear regression.Results: The mean age of the patients was 65.4±12.9; 64.5% were male. The mean OAG score was 7.52±3.58 and the mean TR-MMASA score was 83.04±24.68. Oral health status explained 80% of the variance in dysphagia levels.Conclusions: Within the first 24 hours of ICU admission, patients showed moderate oral health risk, which significantly influenced their dysphagia levels.