Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness and inability to move. Its origin is unknown, although it is estimated that between 5% and 10% is due to genetic causes.

oral care

People with ALS must pay special attention to their oral hygiene to prevent possible complications and oral pathologies. Just as important is making regular visits to the dentist to receive the relevant care in a personalized way.

As the disease progresses, brushing teeth becomes increasingly difficult, so these patients will need help to follow their daily hygiene routine. If the ALS patient is in an advanced stage, he or she may no longer eat through the mouth, even so, brushing and oral hygiene is essential.

Electric brushes are the best option for people who have an illness, disability, problems or limitations when it comes to maintaining their personal hygiene. In the same way, for your relatives or caregivers it will be much more practical and efficient to use an electric toothbrush than a manual one.

The electric toothbrush reduces bacterial plaque by 20% more than other systems. In addition, these devices have a pressure control mechanism that prevents abrasion from occurring on the surface of the teeth, thus respecting tooth enamel and gum care in this type of patient.

The General Council of Dentists recommends following a series of guidelines for proper oral hygiene:

• Brush at least twice a day for two minutes with fluoridated toothpaste.
• Follow a specific order of brushing so as not to forget any area. In general, it is recommended to divide the mouth into four quadrants (two for the top and two for the bottom). In each quadrant, all teeth and surfaces should be brushed for at least 30 seconds.
• Brush the tongue too. It is recommended to clean it at the end of the last night brushing, with the brush, although there are special scrapers that are very effective. In certain cases, this hygiene can be accompanied by the use of a specific rinse, previously prescribed by the dentist.
• Once a day, use dental floss or interdental brushes, preferably after brushing at night, either with silk thread or with interproximal brushes to reach the areas where the brush does not reach. In those spaces where it fits, it is preferable to use the interproximal brush.  

If a manual brush is used, it is better to choose one with medium-hard bristles, with a head that is not too large to allow it to reach the innermost areas of the mouth, and do not forget to change it every 3-4 months or sooner if we have had a respiratory infection or tonsillitis.