Oral hygiene in patients with motor neuron disease requires attention: A cross-sectional survey study

Aims: Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a progressive neurodegenerative neuromuscular disease, which can progressively impair arm-hand function. Needs and barriers of MND patients and their caregivers in performing oral hygiene were studied. Methods: An online survey was sent to 706 MND patients. The questions of the survey included self-reliance, self-reported oral health, and oral hygiene. The oral health-related quality of life (GOHAI-NL) and the subjective well-being (ALSAQ-5) were also measured. Results: A total of 259 patients responded (36.7%), of which 71.9% stated not to be informed about the importance of maintaining good oral health by their MND treatment team. Moreover, 40.4% would like to receive help concerning oral hygiene from a dental professional. 19.8% were not satisfied about oral care as conducted by themselves or their caregivers. Patients who do not ask for support with their daily oral care had a significantly worse oral health-related quality of life compared to patients who do ask for support. Conclusions: The support for daily oral hygiene of MND patients and their barriers to requesting support needs more attention from both MND-treatment teams and general dental professionals