TECHNOLOGIES SUPPORTING ORAL HEALTH IN PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE: CURRENT SOLUTIONS AND FUTURE POSSIBILITIES. A NARRATIVE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.6237Keywords:
Parkinson’s Disease, Oral Hygiene, Assistive Technology, Digital Health, Teledentistry, Neurodegenerative DisordersAbstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with progressive motor and non-motor impairments that substantially compromise oral self-care and contribute to poor oral health outcomes. Although conventional preventive strategies have been established, they remain largely static and insufficiently adapted to disease progression or individual patient needs. This narrative review aimed to examine current and emerging technologies that may support oral healthcare in individuals with PD and to identify future directions for technology-assisted dental care.
A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Relevant publications addressing oral health, Parkinson's disease, assistive technologies, digital health, teledentistry, wearable sensors, and mobile health applications were identified and synthesized qualitatively.
The available technologies were grouped into four domains: functional compensation technologies, behavioral and cognitive support systems, monitoring and feedback technologies, and integrated digital health platforms. Current evidence indicates that assistive devices, wearable sensors, smartphone-based applications, and telemedicine platforms may improve functional independence, behavioral adherence, and remote healthcare delivery. However, most technologies were developed for general Parkinson's disease management rather than for oral healthcare, resulting in predominantly indirect benefits for oral hygiene. A substantial gap remains between motor function monitoring and technologies providing direct support for daily oral hygiene practices.
Future research should prioritize the development of integrated, patient-centered digital platforms combining neurological monitoring, teledentistry, caregiver support, and personalized oral hygiene interventions. Such multidisciplinary approaches may improve oral health outcomes and quality of life in the growing population of individuals living with Parkinson's disease.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Wiktoria Jabłońska-Trzosek, Natalia Borek, Julia Gałązka, Emilia Miśkiewicz, Hanna Krupa, Ewa Stopa, Zofia Wieczorek, Magdalena Kędrak, Dominik Stanisławski, Jakub Pochwalski
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