Good oral health is important for adults with CP, because it helps prevent issues with their teeth and gums.

While CP doesn’t cause oral abnormalities, it can make oral and dental hygiene more challenging. This is because people with CP can have trouble controlling the muscles that open and close their mouth, and move their lips and tongue.

Oral health challenges can include:

• having trouble chewing and swallowing
• holding food in the mouth for extended amounts of time
• gagging, vomiting or having reflux
• having trouble using a toothbrush or dental floss
• biting parts of the mouth, tongue and cheeks
• the effects of some medications
• having crooked teeth or a poor bite (due to teeth not lining up well).

Some medications can impact your oral health.  

These issues can result in tooth decay, weakened enamel, gum disease, bad breath, mouth sores or damaged teeth. It is important for you to have regular check-ups throughout adulthood to monitor and treat any oral health challenges that may appear.

Research suggests there are variations in oral health among people with CP, depending on factors such as age and lifestyle. For instance, people in the 36–55 age group presented with more dental cavities and gum disease than other age groups. It also finds there is a need to better educate people with CP and their carers about the best way to support good oral health.

If you are concerned about your oral health at any time, talk to your dentist or other oral healthcare professional. Ideally, you have someone who you’ve established a good relationship with, who communicates well and can accommodate any mobility aids you may use, such as a wheelchair.

If you have difficulty brushing or flossing your teeth, an electric toothbrush or a floss holder may help. If you need assistance with your oral hygiene, consider inviting your carer to come with you to your appointments, so they can learn how best to help you look after your mouth, teeth and gums.