For people living with illnesses such as epilepsy, helping them maintain a healthy, beautiful smile often requires a few extra steps. Here’s a closer look at a few common oral health problems epileptic patients may encounter, and what you can do to help protect their teeth and gums at home.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a disorder of the nervous system which causes periods of abnormal brain activity. It can affect any process the brain controls, which could cause seizures or changes in awareness or behavior. It can run in families, or may be caused by brain tumors, head trauma, or even stroke. Other triggers include viral encephalitis, AIDS, and developmental disorders. Epilepsy can affect patients of any age or gender but occurs more frequently in men.
Although signs of epilepsy will vary by patient, a person with the condition usually will have the same type of symptoms during an episode, including:
- Temporary eye blinking, staring, or confusion.
- Sudden collapse.
- Uncontrollable and abrupt stiffening or jerking of the arms and legs.
- Loss of consciousness.
How Does Epilepsy Affect Oral Health?
Although it primarily affects the nervous system, epilepsy can still cause many problems to your oral health. For example, patients with the condition are more likely to injure their tongue and temporomandibular joint during a seizure. They are also at a higher risk of aspirating a tooth into their lungs if one is lost in these episodes.
Furthermore, medications such as phenytoin taken to control the condition may also create oral health challenges, such as a condition called gingival hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of gum tissue. This can make it difficult to brush and floss teeth, increasing the patient’s risk of developing periodontal disease.
Other common problems caused by epilepsy medications include dry mouth (xerostomia) which can increase your risk of bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
Oral Hygiene & Epilepsy
Because of these additional oral health challenges, it is important for patients with epilepsy to pay close attention to their hygiene routine. If they have developed an overgrowth of gum tissue, gum surgery may be an option to remove it. For those who suffer from dry mouth, a moisturizing mouth wash can be prescribed to help stay hydrated. If an epileptic patient requires a tooth restoration, a permanent option like dental implants or bridges may be more suitable than a removable prosthetic like a denture which can pose a choking hazard.
Finally, caring for your smile with the help of a dentist trained to treat patients with disabilities is an ideal option. These professionals have received additional education on safety standards and best practices for assisting patients with a variety of medical and developmental conditions. This may include sedation options as well.
Remember, conditions like epilepsy can make caring for your smile a challenge, but together with your dentist, you can help protect yourself while you safeguard your teeth and gums despite these challenges.
About Dr. Ford
Dr. Frank E. Ford earned his bachelor’s degree in science in dentistry from Baylor University and his dental doctorate at the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston. Following graduation, he began caring for patients with special needs as a staff dentist at Mexia State School for the Mentally Handicapped. He then completed a Medical Anesthesiology Residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Today, he is a current active member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists. He is also a diplomate and fellow of several prestigious dental anesthesiology boards. To schedule an appointment for treatment at Disability Dental Services, visit our website or call 972-296-0101.