Oral Status as Predictors of Stroke-Associated Pneumonia and Swallowing Recovery in Patients With Post-Stroke Dysphagia

Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is a common condition that significantly impacts recovery and increases the risk of complications such as pneumonia, malnutrition, and prolonged hospital stays. Early identification and management are essential, as emphasized in several international clinical guidelines. However, predicting which patients will develop stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) or experience delayed swallowing recovery remains a challenge. Recent evidence suggests that oral health status-including hygiene, tongue strength, and dental support-may play a key role in these outcomes. Assessing oral health could therefore aid in identifying high-risk patients and improving rehabilitation strategies. Study Design and Setting A cohort study was designed with prospective data collection, conducted in parallel with a randomized controlled trial (RCT) at the stroke unit of Ghent University Hospi