HIGH CARIES ACTIVITY AFTER STROKES BACKGROUND – Cognitive and physical impairment in elderly persons often lead to significant oral disease. It can be in the form of periodontal breakdown, mucosal infections or as in this case severe dental decay. The decisive factor was that the patient lost the ability to carry out daily oral hygiene, which is crucial.
CASE STUDY – A 73-year-old man suffered from two strokes in 2010. After the strokes, the patient was taken care of by professional caretakers in his own home. The patient moved into a nursing home in 2012. During the following 2-3 years, more than 20 caries lesions developed. Eight teeth were extracted, and the rest of the decayed teeth were restored with composite fillings. The staff at the nursing home was instructed on how to help the patient with his daily oral hygiene. However, the patient was not willing to cooperate, presumably due to the fact that previously he was used to taking good care of his daily oral hygiene.
CONCLUSION – Severe illness causing impaired skills can lead to extensive oral disease. In this case in the form of destruction of the dental hard tissue. Due to lack of cooperation from the patient, it is difficult to maintain a sufficient level of daily oral hygiene.