Related Experiment Videos
Oral hygiene in scleroderma: The effectiveness of a multi-disciplinary intervention program
Janet Poole1, Claudia Conte, Carol Brewer
1Department of Occupational Therapy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. jpoole@salud.unm.edu
Disability and Rehabilitation
|October 27, 2009
Summary
Structured oral hygiene instructions and exercises significantly improved oral health in scleroderma patients, reducing plaque and bleeding gums. This intervention offers a promising approach for managing oral hygiene in this population.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Oral Health
- Patient Care
Background:
- Scleroderma often leads to complications affecting oral health.
- Maintaining oral hygiene can be challenging for individuals with scleroderma due to physical limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of structured oral hygiene instructions and exercises on improving oral health in patients with scleroderma.
Main Methods:
- 17 scleroderma patients underwent a 6-month intervention.
- Intervention included dental evaluations, oral hygiene education, hand/facial exercises, and dental products.
- Upper extremity function and oral aperture were also assessed.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements observed in oral hygiene, indicated by reduced Patient Hygiene Performance (PHP) scores and fewer sites bleeding upon probing.
- A notable decrease in subgingival calculus was recorded.
- No significant changes were found in upper extremity measures or oral aperture.
Conclusions:
- Oral exercises and education are beneficial for managing oral hygiene in individuals with scleroderma.
- This approach may help mitigate oral health issues associated with the condition.
