Improving Oral Hygiene in Patients After Stroke

Oral care can be a challenging task for those who haveimpairments as a consequence of stroke. Physical weak-ness, lack of coordination and the cognitive problems that can accompany a stroke may prevent a person from maintaining good oral hygiene on their own. Dry mouth, oral ulcers and stomatitis may be caused by medication, which further impact on oral health.1 Many stroke patients rely on nursing staff for assistance with oral hygiene, yet oral care is not perceived as a care priority,2 and there are few training or care policies in place.3 Evidence-based supported oral care intervention is essential for this patient group. As in other aspects of poststroke care, rehabilitation goals that aim to maintain or regain independent oral care skills would be appropriate in the stroke care setting. However, there is a dearth of evidence Systematic review of trials comparing staff-led interventions for improving oral hygiene in patients after stroke. Comparison of impact of staff training versus usual care on (A) denture plaque and (B) staff attitudes to oral care at 1 and 6 months after training