Oral health and Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Last updated Oct. 27, 2025, by Agata Boxe
Fact-checked by PatrÃcia Silva, PhD
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) decreases muscle strength and mobility throughout the body, including in your mouth. Over time, these changes, along with challenges in maintaining daily hygiene, can affect your oral health.
Understanding oral health challenges in DMD and learning about preventive dental care for people with DMDÂ can help protect your long-term well-being.
How DMD affects oral health
DMD can influence oral health in several ways:
- It weakens certain muscles in the mouth and jaw, which can affect chewing and swallowing.
- It may enlarge the tongue and reduce tongue mobility, which can interfere with speech and the clearing of food debris.
- It limits dexterity and arm strength, which may make brushing and flossing harder.
These muscle-related changes often set the stage for more specific dental and oral health concerns. Even minor difficulties in oral care can accumulate over time, so consistent attention and preventive strategies are important.
Common oral health concerns in DMD
DMD can contribute to several oral health conditions and complications, including:
- malocclusion (misaligned teeth and bite problems), which can cause discomfort, chewing issues, and a greater risk of tooth wear
- orofacial dysfunction (reduced control of the lips, cheeks, and tongue), which may make it more challenging to manage food and saliva while increasing the risk of drooling, choking, and aspiration
- macroglossia (enlarged tongue), which can worsen bite alignment and affect speech and swallowing
- a higher risk of cavities and gum disease, since mobility issues and fatigue can make it challenging to brush and floss
- challenges during dental procedures because limited mobility may complicate positioning, and anesthesia requires special precautions
Recognizing these issues early supports a preventive dental care approach for people with DMD, rather than only reacting to problems after they have occurred.
Tips for supporting oral health with DMD
One of the best forms of dental care is prevention, or prophylactic oral care. Knowing how to care for your oral health can help protect it as much as possible.
Advice for hygiene practices with DMD:
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste two to three times a day and floss at least once per day.
- Consider using an electric toothbrush to counteract muscle weakness and fatigue.
- Try assisted flossing devices, which can make flossing easier as your abilities change.
- Ask your dentist for mouthwash recommendations if you experience dry mouth.
- Consider using a toothpaste dispenser, a wall or tabletop device that releases toothpaste easily so you don’t have to overexert your muscles.
- Remember to also remove bacteria and food debris from your tongue with a tongue cleaner or scraper.
Other helpful devices include:
- a suction toothbrush that sucks up the water and toothpaste if you have trouble spitting or swallowing
- a water flosser to remove food particles from hard-to-reach areas
- dental wipes to clean your teeth between brushing sessions
Working with your dentist and care team
Specialized dental care with DMD can make a big difference for your dental health and well-being.
If possible, find a dentist who has treated people with DMD or other neuromuscular conditions. You can start by asking your DMD specialist for recommendations, and inquire in a DMD support group, such as the Muscular Dystrophy News Today Facebook group.
During appointments, be honest with your dentist about your dental hygiene practices and any challenges you face. They can only help and advise you if they have access to all the information they need.
It can also help to bring a caregiver with you so that you feel supported during the conversation. Having someone to help advocate for you can make visits more comfortable and productive.
Your dentist should ideally communicate and collaborate with other members of your care team, such as your neurologist, speech therapist, and nutritionist, to create a comprehensive DMD care plan. This helps ensure that all aspects of your health are addressed.
Together, your care team can also plan for any dental procedures, including recommendations for safe positioning, breathing support, and anesthesia considerations.
Final thoughts on DMD and oral health
Oral health is a crucial but sometimes overlooked part of DMD care. By understanding how DMD can affect the mouth, using adaptive hygiene strategies, and collaborating closely with your dentist and care team, you can help protect your teeth and gums.
With consistent attention, the right tools, and professional guidance, it is possible to maintain your oral health, prevent complications, and preserve comfort, function, and overall quality of life.
Muscular Dystrophy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
