Oral health and oral health-related quality of life in patients with oral dystonia indicates their need for dental special care.

[BACKGROUND] This retrospective study aimed in the evaluation of oral health and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with oral dystonia (OD).

[MATERIAL AND METHODS] Seventeen patients with OD (Meige Syndrome: n=11, Oromandibular Dystonia: n=6) were included, of which seven were examined again at three months after botulinum toxin injection. OHRQoL was assessed by the German short form of oral health impact profile (OHIP G14). Within oral examination, dental parameters, remaining teeth and periodontitis severity were assessed. A matched healthy control (HC) was composed for comparison.

[RESULTS] The OD patients had significantly more carious teeth (0.94 ± 1.75 vs. 0; p<0.01), less remaining teeth (15.65 ± 9.89 vs. 22.22 ± 5.91; p=0.01) and higher dental treatment need than the HC (42.9% vs. 0%; p<0.01). The OHIP G14 sum score of 9.47± 9.82 vs. 1.58 ± 2.79 (p<0.01) as well its dimensions psychosocial impact (4.47 ± 6.45 vs. 0.53 ± 1.16; p=0.03) and oral function (4.35 ± 2.98 vs. 0.47 ± 1.34; p<0.01) were clinically relevant and statistically significant higher in OD compared to HC group. No significant differences could be detected at three months after botulinum toxin injection.

[CONCLUSIONS] Patients with OD suffer from more dental diseases and have a worse OHRQoL than HC. Dental special care appears recommendable and should be fostered by everyone, who is involved in the treatment of patients with OD.