Oral Sugar Clearance in Individuals with Oral Motor Dysfunctions

Abstract

Feeding problems due to impaired oral motor functions resulting in prolonged meals are common among persons with brain damage. The aim of the present investigation was to study the oral sugar clearance in 16 individuals with oral motor dysfunction (OMD) and 16 individuals with normal oral functions (control group). Repeated saliva samples were collected on filter paper discs at two locations before and during 30 min after intake of a glucose tablet. The individuals with OMD had significantly higher initial glucose concentrations in saliva and longer glucose elimination time compared to the control group. For some of the subjects with OMD, sugar clearance was extremely slow. The sugar clearance time was positively related to the severity of drooling problems, but not to the degree of dysphagia. The results from this study indicate that individuals with OMD have an increased risk of dental caries.

Oral status, oral hygiene habits and caries risk factors in home‐dwelling elderly dependent on moderate or substantial supportive care for daily living

“…In addition, regular dental care is of importance to avoid oral diseases that also have the potential to negatively affect general health. As oral fluoride clearance is prolonged for people with disabilities, the effects of additional fluoride treatment are increased (32). This study shows that dependent elderly, especially those with the most substantial needs of support, seldom take benefit from fluoride in toothpaste twice per day.…”

Oral health status in a group of children and adolescents with myotonic dystrophy type 1 over a 4‐year period

“…Muscular weakness has been shown to have an impact on oral health in various ways. It affects craniofacial growth 1,2 as well as chewing capacity and oral self‐cleaning ability 3–5 . Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a hereditary neuromuscular disease with a most variable clinical picture.…”

Simplified methods of topical fluoride administration: effects in individuals with hyposalivation

“…Also individuals with intellectual disabilities resulting in a limited ability to cooperate suffer from caries and lose a greater number of teeth than others with the same disability . The elderly have often impaired oral sugar clearance, mainly due to hyposalivation and in the case of additional problems involving oral motor skills, the oral clearance will further be deteriorated . Impaired oral clearance increases the risk of caries, but at the same time increases the effect of F by achieving higher F concentrations of longer duration in a mouth with prolonged oral clearance.…”