Dysphagia is a condition characterized by difficulty in swallowing and it usually occurs due to neurological conditions such as depression, dementia and stroke. People with this condition have a greater likelihood of developing pneumonia, therefore additional modifications as well as support is needed during dental care routines.
Symptoms of Dysphagia
Symptoms of Dysphagia include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain while swallowing
- Feeling that food has gotten stuck in the chest or throat, or behind the breastbone
- Hoarseness
- Drooling
- Regurgitation (food backing up)
- Stomach acid or food backing up into the throat
- Frequent heartburn
- Gagging or coughing when swallowing
- Unexpected weight loss
How to take care of your teeth and mouth if you have this condition?
Brushing and flossing your teeth properly would be the basic steps towards keeping your teeth clean and maintaining a good oral hygiene. But one of the most important things to consult a specially trained dentist at Brighton Implant Clinic.
If you wear dentures, they should be cleaned every day as dysphagia patients can easily inhale bacteria left on the denture.