Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world and currently there is no cure. One in 37 people alive today in the UK will be diagnosed with Parkinson's in their lifetime, according to Parkinson's UK.
Parkinson's is a wretched condition where, due to the decline of certain brain cells, not enough dopamine is produced. Dopamine acts like a slick chemical messenger service keeping cells continually talking to each other so that muscles can move in their usual ordered fashion.
Without enough dopamine and muscles start to tremor, stiffen, or freeze altogether giving rise to the 'mask' facial appearance.
In Parkinson's, the lips lose their ability to close and seal the mouth which results in uncomfortable drooling. The muscles controlling the lower jaw can start involuntary quivering. This incessant movement triggers relentless teeth grinding which in some cases ends up with teeth worn down to gum level.
If someone with Parkinson's is a denture wearer each jaw movement left and right dislodges the denture making mouth comfort a distant goalpost on a constantly receding horizon.
Then when the drugs to treat Parkinson's become established, saliva reserves regrettably dry up. A chronically dehydrated mouth is more than unpleasant; sores tend to develop; nasty microbes are allowed to get a foot in the door to generate a concoction of stubborn infections and the chances of developing tooth decay skyrockets.
As soon as Parkinson's is diagnosed try to arrange a trip to the dentist to become as dentally fit as possible. It would be useful to assess the diet and consider cutting out any sugar-containing troublemakers.
Someone with Parkinson's may want to investigate whether a denture can be upgraded, or implant treatment is suitable to try and offset the jaw jiggling to make eating easier.
XyliMelts pastilles are brilliant in the war against a dry mouth as their slow-release mechanism is perfect for night times. They can be used along with a pocket atomiser spray filled with water or fluoride mouthwash.
Frequent spraying is a convenient and rapid way to ease dry mouth discomfort and strengthen teeth against decay. There are also facial exercises to help improve lip seal, for example holding lips closed for a count of four, relaxing and then repeating five times a day.
