Neurological disorders and oral health: an integrative review

Introduction: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), neurological diseases are a condition that has an important impact on the quality of life f a significant number of individuals worldwide. It is also known that patients with neurodegenerative diseases suffer from a certain apparatus to meet their deficiencies and needs and, therefore, guarantee the basic resources for the minimally desired care of their health in a global scope, including oral health. Methodology: This is an exploratory descriptive study that uses the integrative review method. In July 2021, the survey of articles indexed in the electronic database PubMed was carried out. The descriptors (DeCS) were used in English: “Neurology”; “Dental Care for Chronically Ill”; “Dental Care for Aged”; and “Dental Care for Disabled”. Results and Discussion: In the last decade, dentists were faced with the need to experience an unusual routine in the dental field: working in a multidisciplinary team, in health institutions specializing in the care of chronic degenerative diseases or hospital-related. There are several damages caused by neurological diseases, in addition to motor impairment, such patients are affected by cognitive changes that negatively influence oral health. Conclusion: Given the evidence, it is possible to observe the importance of oral health care in improving the quality of life and general health of individuals dependent on caregivers. In addition, it is essential to establish an oral hygiene protocol in order to prevent oral diseases in patients with such a profile, which could be feasible and reproducible.