LITTLE AND FALACE DENTAL MANAGEMENT
OF THE MEDICALLY COMPROMISED PATIENT
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE 2026
MEDICAL RISK AND DENTAL CARE PRINCIPLES
◉ What oral conditions are associated with polypharmacy?
Answer: Xerostomia, mucosal inflammation, parafunctional habits,
oral candidiasis, caries, and periodontal disease.
◉ Why does polypharmacy increase caries risk?
Answer: Many medications reduce salivary flow, leading to
xerostomia and decreased buffering capacity.
◉ How does xerostomia contribute to oral disease?
Answer: It alters the oral microbiome, decreases buffering capacity,
and increases risk for caries and periodontal disease.
◉ What is a mandibular advancement device (MAD)?
Answer: An oral appliance that advances the mandible forward to
improve airway patency and treat sleep disorders.
◉ What is a maxillary occlusal splint (MOS)?
, Answer: A removable appliance placed on the maxillary teeth to
reduce bruxism forces and protect the dentition.
◉ What factors are commonly evaluated when comparing MAD and
MOS appliances?
Answer: Sleep quality, sleep bruxism reduction, and patient comfort
or satisfaction.
◉ What oral health issues are commonly seen in stroke patients?
Answer: Periodontal disease, missing teeth, dental caries, and
xerostomia.
◉ Why do stroke patients often experience poor oral health?
Answer: Neurologic deficits reduce mobility and manual dexterity,
making oral hygiene difficult.
◉ What neurological problems after stroke can affect oral care?
Answer: Motor weakness and altered sensory perception.
◉ What barriers prevent stroke patients from maintaining oral
hygiene?
Answer: Loss of mobility, loss of manual dexterity, and
environmental limitations.
OF THE MEDICALLY COMPROMISED PATIENT
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE 2026
MEDICAL RISK AND DENTAL CARE PRINCIPLES
◉ What oral conditions are associated with polypharmacy?
Answer: Xerostomia, mucosal inflammation, parafunctional habits,
oral candidiasis, caries, and periodontal disease.
◉ Why does polypharmacy increase caries risk?
Answer: Many medications reduce salivary flow, leading to
xerostomia and decreased buffering capacity.
◉ How does xerostomia contribute to oral disease?
Answer: It alters the oral microbiome, decreases buffering capacity,
and increases risk for caries and periodontal disease.
◉ What is a mandibular advancement device (MAD)?
Answer: An oral appliance that advances the mandible forward to
improve airway patency and treat sleep disorders.
◉ What is a maxillary occlusal splint (MOS)?
, Answer: A removable appliance placed on the maxillary teeth to
reduce bruxism forces and protect the dentition.
◉ What factors are commonly evaluated when comparing MAD and
MOS appliances?
Answer: Sleep quality, sleep bruxism reduction, and patient comfort
or satisfaction.
◉ What oral health issues are commonly seen in stroke patients?
Answer: Periodontal disease, missing teeth, dental caries, and
xerostomia.
◉ Why do stroke patients often experience poor oral health?
Answer: Neurologic deficits reduce mobility and manual dexterity,
making oral hygiene difficult.
◉ What neurological problems after stroke can affect oral care?
Answer: Motor weakness and altered sensory perception.
◉ What barriers prevent stroke patients from maintaining oral
hygiene?
Answer: Loss of mobility, loss of manual dexterity, and
environmental limitations.
