Management of orofacial manifestations of Parkinson's disease with splint therapy: a case report

• Published in: Special care in dentistry Vol. 13; no. 4; p. 155
• Main Authors: Durham, T M, Hodges, E D, Henry, M J, Geasland, J, Straub, P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.1993
• Subjects: Articulation Disorders - etiology; Articulation Disorders - therapy; Deglutition Disorders - etiology; Deglutition Disorders - therapy; Dental Care for Chronically Ill - methods; Facial Pain - etiology; Facial Pain - therapy; Female; Humans; Male; Masticatory Muscles - physiopathology; Middle Aged; Neck Muscles - physiopathology; Occlusal Splints; Parkinson Disease - complications; Parkinson Disease - physiopathology; Tongue Habits
• ISSN: 0275-1879
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1754-4505.1993.tb01467.x

Patients with Parkinson's Disease display a number of orofacial manifestations. These manifestations are secondary to motor and sensory deficits, resulting in bradykinesia, muscle rigidity and tremor, and difficulties with speech, swallowing, proprioception, tactile sensitivity, and hard- and soft-tissue trauma. This case describes the use of a bruxism splint which benefited a PD patient by diminishing the occurrence of orofacial pain secondary to muscle tremor and rigidity while reducing the cumulative damage to the oral structures common with the disease. The impact of therapy on sleep, speech, and swallowing difficulties is also discussed.