Practical oral care tips for people with Parkinson’s disease

Maintaining oral health is important for people with Parkinson’s disease, as symptoms can complicate oral hygiene management and dental care. As it is World Parkinson’s Day, we want to highlight these challenges and provide some solutions to make oral health easier to manage. 

Common mouth problems associated with Parkinson’s  

• A dry mouth. This can lead to an increased risk of things like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral disease.  

• A burning mouth feeling.  

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).  

• Drooling (sialorrhea).  

• Difficulty in controlling dentures. 

• Difficulty cleaning your teeth. 

• Increased risk of gum disease. 

Oral health challenges linked to Parkinson’s 

Knowing about these challenges can help prevent future complications. Challenges can include: 

• Muscle function changes: Parkinson’s can alter face and tongue muscle function, affecting speech and chewing. Missing teeth can further hinder those abilities and may contribute to depression and unhealthy dietary adjustments. 

• Swallowing problems: Parkinson's can weaken the muscles, reflexes and sensation in your throat which affects how effectively you swallow. Poorly chewed food can increase the risk of choking and aspiration, which can contribute to gastric issues like acid reflux as well as more life-threatening conditions like pneumonia. 

• Muscle rigidity: Parkinson's-related rigidity, tremors, and dyskinesia (involuntary movements) can make it hard to brush teeth. These symptoms can also cause cracked teeth, tooth wear, changes in the fit and wear of dentures and tooth grinding. Muscle rigidity can also make it harder to have dental treatment if you struggle to open your mouth and keep it open during an appointment. If this is the case for you, your dentist might need to refer you to a specialist dentist.  

Tips for preventing oral health problems for people with Parkinson’s 

Taking care of your teeth and gums helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but Parkinson’s movement symptoms can make daily oral hygiene more difficult. Here are a few ways you may be able to make it a bit easier.  

Simplify Dental Care at Home 

Use the right toothbrush

Use a toothbrush with a large-handled grip and soft bristles. A small brush head reaches the corners better.

To make the toothbrush easier to grasp, place the handle inside a bike handlebar grip or tennis ball or use an electric toothbrush. 

Clean between your teeth

This may mean getting help from a caregiver or loved one, but it's important to try and do it at least once a day.

Water flossers can be good if you don’t struggle with spitting, and pre-threaded flossing aids may also be helpful options for some.

You can also find interdental brushes with longer handles if the small-handled options are too fiddly for you. 

Fluoride rinses

For fluoride rinses, if swishing and spitting are difficult, the dentist may recommend a brush or sponge applicator. 

Ease denture care 

Brush your dentures daily

Use a non-abrasive cleaner, not toothpaste. 

Soak your dentures daily

Use a denture cleanser to remove more plaque and clean your dentures.

Leave your dentures out at night

Soak your dentures in water or solution overnight, and then clean them before putting them back in. 

Visit your dental professional regularly

They will ensure your mouth is healthy and make sure your dentures still fit well.  

Read our full denture care guide here. 

Improve communication during dental visits 

• Tell your dentist about your Parkinson’s symptoms: This will help the whole dental team provide better treatment. 

• Schedule wisely: Plan short dental appointments for the time of day your symptoms are most effectively controlled. 

• Talk about medications: Lots of medications have an effect on your mouth, so let your dentist know which medications you take and they can then advise how to manage potential side effects such as dry mouth. 

• Anaesthetic reactions: Tell the dentist if you are taking medication for Parkinson’s and need an anaesthetic for treatment. This is because some medications like MAO-B inhibitors such as rasagiline, selegiline and safinamide may interact with anaesthetics. 

While movement symptoms and other challenges can make dental care more difficult, simple adaptations and the right support can make a big difference.  

By using the right tools, seeking regular dental check-ups, and communicating openly with your dentist, you can maintain a healthy mouth and reduce the risk of further complications. 

If you or a loved one needs additional support, don’t hesitate to speak to a dental professional for personalised advice. 

For more information about Parkinson’s disease, visit the Parkinson's UK website.