Stroke and oral health

Abstract

40 vital www.nature.com/vital O ral health is a standard of health which enables an individual to eat, speak and socialise without active disease, discomfort or embarrassment. This contributes to general well being and allows people to eat nutritious foods. A clean mouth feels good and the practice of oral hygiene is a crucial factor in maintaining the health of the mouth. 1 Stroke in the UK In the UK stroke is the third commonest cause of death and is the most common cause of severe disability. Every year, an estimated 150,000 people have a stroke and 20-30% of them die within a month. More than 250,000 people live with stroke disabilities. Most people affected are over 65 but around 1,000 people under 30-years-old have a stroke each year. 2 Stroke costs the National Health Service (NHS) and the economy about £7 billion a year-£2.8 billion to the NHS, £2.4 billion in informal care costs and £1.8 billion in income lost to mortality, morbidity and benefi t payments. Stroke patients occupy over 2.6 million hospital bed days per year. 3