New oral health course added to the Excellence Network Learning Hub

Oral health and dental care is crucial for everyone, but it takes on added significance for people living with Parkinson's for several reasons. Both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's can have implications for oral health and dental care.

For example, brushing issues due to difficulties with fine motor skills, reduction in saliva or excess saliva and dysphagia can all lead to an increased risk of dental decay and gum disease.

Nutritional challenges can also present due to changes in taste, and difficulties with chewing and swallowing can affect nutrition. This, in turn, can affect oral health, leading to weaker teeth and gums that are at more risk of disease.

Given these challenges, it's clear why dental health is especially important for individuals with Parkinson's. Regular dental check-ups are crucial to address any difficulties with oral hygiene, monitor for signs of oral health problems, and adapt dental care plans as needed.

A collaborative approach involving healthcare providers and dental professionals can make sure that oral health is maintained as part of a comprehensive care plan for people with Parkinson's.

Oral B's Big Rethink

Since 2022, Oral B has partnered with the International Association of Disability and Oral Health (iADH) to address the inequalities people with disabilities (both visible and invisible) face when it comes to oral health.

This resulted in the Big Rethink, an education and engagement initiative designed to make access to oral health more inclusive, accessible and positive for people with disabilities and those with special healthcare needs such as Parkinson's. Find out more about the Big Rethink here.

Oral B and Parkinson's UK recognised that by working together, they could reach and support more people who are facing these barriers by equipping the professionals who work with them with vital knowledge they can use in their practice.

The e-learning module 'Improving oral health in individuals with a physical impairment disability' came out of the Big Rethink, and has been added to the Parkinson's UK Excellence Network Learning Hub, and is now part of the Health and care professionals Learning Library, in the Understanding Parkinson's and providing support section. Visit the Learning Library.

We asked Eva Castro Perea, Senior Professional & Scientific Relations Manager at Oral B UK to tell us a bit more about the e-learning course. 

Why is the topic of oral health so important?

Eva Castro Perea: Our e-learning course is intended to provide dental and healthcare professionals with practical education, guidance, and tools to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with special healthcare needs and help their carers.

What benefit would there be to people with Parkinson's if their health or care providers did this learning?

Eva: This e-learning course is aimed at improving oral healthcare knowledge of relevant health professionals involved in the treatment and management of people with special healthcare needs, which includes people with Parkinson's. This will then facilitate better oral health in patients.

This resource has been created in coordination with the International Association for Disability and Oral Health (iADH) and utilises the editorial expertise of independently selected specialists to curate all content.

Why did Oral B produce the e-learning and want to work with Parkinson's UK?

Eva: People with special healthcare needs represent a significant portion of our population. Their oral healthcare needs are diverse and often unique. Our goal is to empower healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to provide the best possible care to these individuals, thereby addressing a critical need in our society.

We felt that the Parkinson's UK Excellence Network would be a really helpful channel for reaching professionals working with people with Parkinson's.