Improving oral health in Parkinson's

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Improving oral health in Parkinson's: a co-designed intervention and feasibility study

• IRAS ID

  359440

• Contact name

  Jessie Tebbutt

• Contact email

  jtebbutt1@sheffield.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 3 months, 24 days

• Research summary

  In the UK, over 153,000 people live with Parkinson's disease - projected to double by 2065 - making it the fastest-growing neurological condition globally. Oral health is often overlooked in Parkinson's management despite symptoms making mouth care and dental treatment challenging.

  Research shows people with Parkinson's (PwP) experience worse oral health than the general population, including increased dental decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. These issues cause pain, infection, and affect eating, sleeping, smiling, and socialising - significantly impacting quality of life.

  PwP have said that taking care of their mouth and teeth, and having a comfortable mouth is crucial. This is something not many people talk about, but it helps to maintain quality of life and preserve dignity. Currently, there's a research gap in supporting PwP with at-home mouth care.

  This study aims to:

  Develop a mouth care support programme in partnership with PwP, caregivers and clinicians
  Evaluate the programme’s feasibility and acceptability, to help plan a future definitive trial

  Collaborative workshops and activities with PwP, caregivers, and clinicians, using creative techniques will help to identify what might help them to maintain oral health at home, contributing towards development of a mouth care support programme. A feasibility study will recruit 40 PwP from medical and dental settings, who will use the programme for three months and complete questionnaires about their oral health activities and oral health-related quality of life.

  Throughout the process, patients and caregivers will be actively involved following UK Standards for Public Involvement, with appropriate training and support. Findings will be shared through various channels including articles, social media, and support groups.

• REC name

  HSC REC B

• REC reference

  25/NI/0109

• Date of REC Opinion

  12 Aug 2025

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion