Neurorehabilitation and the oral-systemic connection: Implications for function and quality of life

Background: It is common for survivors of strokes to have oral health problems such as dysphagia, difficulties with hygiene, and periodontal diseases, all of which may threaten their quality of life and neurorehabilitation efficiency.Purpose: This review evaluates the contribution of oral-systemic health towards stroke neurorehabilitation, especially focusing on oral condition and targeted intervention effects on recovery functionality and quality of life.Methods: A systematic research was conducted by using the terms “stroke,” “oral health,” “rehabilitation,” “dysphagia,” and “periodontal disease.” Data were gathered about study design, therapeutic approaches, assessment tools such as OHIP-۱۴ and FOIS, and subsequent findings.Results: Patients who survived stroke commonly exhibit reduced oral health-related quality of life, which is usually related to the reduced motor function. Structured programs of oral hygiene led to a ۱۵–۲۵% increase in OHIP-۱۴ scores. Patients who received structured exercise-based rehabilitation of dysphagia at a frequency of ≥۵ weekly sessions demonstrated significant improvements in swallowing as well as overall oral intake. Evidence indicates that periodontal disease could cause systemic inflammation and increase stroke risk by about ۲.۳ times. The implementation of skills from dentistry and rehabilitation resulted in improved results in small trials where interdisciplinary interventions were applied.Conclusions: Oral health and neurorehabilitation have a major relationship. The combination of dental care, dysphagia management, and oral hygiene strategies into a stroke rehabilitation program can increase functional recovery and general quality of life. Future studies should assess multidisciplinary care models.

کلیدواژه ها:

Stroke rehabilitation ، oral health ، dysphagia ، periodontal disease ، quality of life