Why Parkinson's Patients Often Have Mouths Open: Facial Muscle Issues

Why Parkinson's Patients Often Have Their Mouth Open: Exploring Facial Changes

Parkinson's disease progressively impacts movement and motor control in those affected. While well-known for causing tremors, Parkinson's also commonly affects facial muscles in ways that may leave patients with their mouth open persistently.

Understanding Parkinson's Impact on Facial Muscles

Parkinson's disease stems from a loss of dopamine producing neurons deep in the basal ganglia region of the brain. Dopamine helps transmit signals facilitating controlled body movements. As dopamine production wanes, patients lose normal muscular control.

In the early stages, Parkinson's characteristic tremors and rigidity mostly impact limb mobility. However, as Parkinsons advances, dopamine deficiency increasingly affects the face too.

Facial Changes Associated With Parkinson's

Common Parkinsons related facial alterations include:

• Hypomimia: Reduced facial expressions due to rigid facial muscles

• Mask-like expressions: Fixed, stared facial appearance lacking emotions

• Loss of eye blinking: Eyes remain wide open

• Mouth changes: Lips often parted, sometimes with drooling

Why Parkinson's Patients Often Have Their Mouth Open

The loss of natural facial movement control in Parkinsons frequently leaves patients unable to fully close their lips. Reasons this "open mouth posture" occurs include:

• Oral rigidity - Stiff lip, tongue, and jaw muscles resist moving to a closed position.

• Saliva control issues - Excess saliva drips uncontrollably from an open mouth.

• Breathing problems - Open mouth allows easier air intake if nasal breathing affected.

• Dental pain - Tooth loss or denture issues may make closing lips difficult or uncomfortable.

Managing Open Mouth Issues in Parkinsons Patients

While an open mouth alone rarely causes medical concerns, it can impact speech clarity, promote drooling, and detract from appearance. Implementing management strategies improves quality of life.

Oral Motor Exercises

Physical and speech therapists often recommend facial muscle exercises promoting mobility. This strengthens muscles resisting Parkinsons rigidity. Examples include:

• Puckering and smooching lips

• Raising and lowering eyebrows

• Scrunching and relaxing nose

• "Cheesy smile" stretching mouth motions

Perform exercises daily with assistance. Over time, greater facial dexterity enables better voluntary mouth closure.

Medications Improving Motor Control

Doctors may adjust Parkinson's medications to reduce muscular rigidity. Providing smoother dopamine activity relaxes tense facial muscles. Specific drug options include:

• Levodopa - Primary Parkinson's medication, dopamine precursor

• Dopamine agonists - Mimic dopamine effects

• COMT inhibitors - Lengthen levodopa efficacy

• Anticholinergics - Balance neurotransmitter levels

Note side effects or worsening movement problems may occur. Work closely with doctors determining suitable regimens.

Botox Injections

Botox injections temporarily paralyze facial muscles. Weakening overactive muscles improves motility in others. Benefits typically persist about 3 months before re-injection needed. Researchers still debate botox long term impacts for Parkinson's.

Speech and Swallowing Assistance

Speech-language pathologists guide Parkinsons patients on proper tongue placement, chewing motions, and head positioning aiding mouth closure for clear speech and easier eating. Advice may include:

• Keep teeth slightly apart, tongue on roof of mouth while talking

• Tuck chin slightly or tilt head for gravity assist swallowing

• Eat slowly, take smaller bites mixed with liquids

Additionally, address dental issues like ill-fitting dentures causing discomfort closing mouth.

Coping With Facial Expression Changes

For some, Parkinson's lack of facial affect heavily impacts self-image and communication. Support groups connect patients facing similar struggles. Tips helping overcome appearance related concerns include:

• Meeting peoples' eyes when talking to show engagement

• Sit facing listeners for better speech comprehension

• Use hands to gesture emotions

• Explain you have Parkinson's if needed

While Parkinsons effects on facial musculature cant be eliminated, implementingmanagement techniques provides relief allowing patients to remain active despite disease progression.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.