Supporting the Health of Patients With Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis (GP) is a rare and often debilitating disorder with no known cure. Due to the complex nature of GP, patients are at high risk of experiencing several adverse oral conditions including but not limited to hyposalivation, erosive tooth wear, dentinal hypersensitivity, dental caries, and oral manifestations specifically related to malnutrition. Though evidence-based dental protocols are developing on this topic, dental hygienists are well prepared to critically assess and comprehensively manage the common oral side effects of GP.
Gastroparesis (GP) is a rare and debilitating gastrointestinal motility disorder that results in the complete or partial paralysis of stomach muscles.
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Recent data suggest that GP impacts approximately what percentage of the United States population?
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GP is predominantly observed in women (66% to 80%), and is more prevalent among white people compared to other racial groups.
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Which of the following increases patients’ risk of developing erosive tooth wear, dentinal hypersensitivity, and dental caries?
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Dental hygienists must further recognize how the etiologies of erosive tooth wear, dental hypersensitivity, and dental caries differ.
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Understanding the full extent of the patient’s diagnosis and/or underlying health condition, current GP symptoms and status, dietary modifications, and medications will help the dental hygienist to comprehensively develop a care plan.
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Patients at high risk for erosive tooth wear, dental hypersensitivity, caries, and hyposalivation should use extra-soft toothbrushes, fluoride- and/or casein-based products, saliva substitutes, and products containing xylitol.
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Supporting the Health of Patients With Gastroparesis
Not bad, but there’s room to grow when it comes to understanding how to support the health of patients with gastroparesis. Consider reading more about this important facet of dental hygiene care. Good luck!
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This information is from the article “Treating Patients With Gastroparesis,” by Valerie Nieto, RDH, MS; Kristin Peltz, RDH, BSDH; and Danielle Rulli, RDH, MS, DHSc . To read the article, click here.
