Management of orofacial manifestations of Parkinson's disease with splint therapy: a case report.

Patients with Parkinson's Disease display a number of orofacial manifestations. These manifestations are secondary to motor and sensory deficits, resulting in bradykinesia, muscle rigidity and tremor, and difficulties with speech, swallowing, proprioception, tactile sensitivity, and hard- and soft-tissue trauma. This case describes the use of a bruxism splint which benefited a PD patient by diminishing the occurrence of orofacial pain secondary to muscle tremor and rigidity while reducing the cumulative damage to the oral structures common with the disease. The impact of therapy on sleep, speech, and swallowing difficulties is also discussed.