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Lip-biting in patients with profound neuro-disability
1Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, West Hill, Putney SW15 3SW.
Dental Update
|February 1, 2002
Summary
Severe brain damage can cause abnormal oral reflexes, leading to lip and tongue trauma in neuro-disability patients. Dental management requires an interdisciplinary approach for effective treatment of these challenging oral injuries.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Dental Traumatology
Background:
- Severe brain damage affects ~1200 UK individuals annually, with ~50% experiencing abnormal oral reflexes.
- These reflexes, including biting and bruxism, can cause significant dental and soft tissue trauma, such as lip and tongue lacerations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical presentation and management of lip trauma and bruxism in patients with neuro-disability.
- To highlight the challenges and emphasize the need for an interdisciplinary approach in managing these oral injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 10 patients referred to a specialist dental department over 12 months.
- Inclusion criteria: patients with neuro-disability experiencing lip bites and/or severe bruxism.
Main Results:
- Patients presented with lip bites and/or severe bruxism secondary to neuro-disability.
- Management options explored included monitoring, dental smoothing, bite appliances, and tooth extraction.
Conclusions:
- Management of lip trauma in neuro-disability patients is complex.
- An interdisciplinary approach involving dental and neurological teams is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.