MS and Oral Health

MS and Oral Health Multiple Sclerosis Hope Dental

Multiple Sclerosis and Oral Health

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a lifelong disease that affects your brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves in your eyes. MS can negatively affect balance, muscle control and vision as well as many other daily body functions. Also, motor function and coordination are heavily affected, resulting in muscle weakness and spasticity. Consequently, everyday tasks like holding a toothbrush become nearly impossible. Problems with coordination and fatigue also make it difficult to keep up with proper dental care. MS patients are all at higher risk for dental issues because of the complications of MS. The disease itself affects the teeth and gums on a biochemical level. The medicine that is used to treat MS can also lead to problems.

The Relationship Between Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Oral Health

MS and Oral Health Multiple Sclerosis Hope DentalThere is a cause and effect relationship between MS and dental health. One of the main characteristics and symptoms of MS is heightened levels of inflammation. This happens as a result of the immune system deteriorating. Gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease are more likely to occur because of this. When inflammation occurs due to the nature of gingivitis, a flare of MS symptoms manifest. These MS symptoms in turn release chemicals that penetrate the gum membrane and cause more inflammation. It is a never ending cycle, that without dental intervention, will deteriorate a patient’s health. Dental procedures can be used to treat gum disease and it’s symptoms. Without proper prevention, a patient’s oral health will continue to deteriorate.

Oral medications used to treat MS also contribute significantly to the onset and symptoms of oral disease. Many MS medications aim to even out and control the immune system. These medications end up causing dry mouth (xerostomia), swollen gums (gingival hyperplasia), oral ulcers (ulcerative stomatitis), oral thrush (candidiasis), and reactivation of the herpes viruses. Lack of saliva can lead to a multitude of dental problems. Saliva is needed to reduce plaque, stop the growth of bacteria, and wash away food debris. Tooth decay and gum disease can develop without enough saliva. The other side effects of MS medication, like oral ulcers and swollen gums, make it painful or even impossible to brush and floss properly.

Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene and Health

Dental care is incredibly important for MS patients. Having good oral hygiene can reduce symptoms. It is important to schedule regular dental visits. At the least, biannual checkups are a must for MS patients. Depending on how well patients practice good oral hygiene at home, dental appointments may be needed more frequently. There a few dental tips that can help reduce negative oral symptoms. Patients should sit down while brushing their teeth when dealing with fatigue. They can also floss while in bed. If a patient has trouble holding their toothbrush, wrap foam around the handle to get a better grip. They can also try using weighted gloves to steady their hand movements. Electric toothbrushes are a great alternative to consider. Use formulated mouthwash or chew sugarless gum to stimulate saliva in cases of dry mouth.

*Content from this blog was originally received from the online practice

5 thoughts on “MS and Oral Health

    • Cynthia Bauer says:

      Tracy I am having the same issue! My dentist has said I have Tooth Resorption. Resorption specifically refers to the inflammation and loss of the tooth’s dentin (inner tissue under the enamel) or cementum (outer material covering the tooth’s roots). I can not find any case studies in the united states that show MS and resorption are connected.

  1. Sean Watkins says:

    I stumbled upon this article while trying to research a correlation between MS and Periodontal Disease. I am currently on Ocrevus and getting treatment for advance PD.

  2. Terrica Wisner says:

    I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when I was 52 years old 4 years ago. The Bafiertam did very little to help me. The medical team did even less. My decline was rapid and devastating. It was muscle weakness at first, then my hands and tremors. Last year, a family friend told us about Natural Herbs Centre and their successful MS Ayurveda TREATMENT, we visited their website naturalherbscentre and ordered their Multiple Sclerosis Ayurveda protocol, i am happy to report the treatment effectively treated and reversed my Multiple Sclerosis, most of my symptoms stopped, I’m able to walk and my writing is becoming great, sleep well and exercise regularly. I’m  active now, I can personally vouch for  these remedy but you would probably need to decide what works best for you🧡.

  3. Rebecca Callahan says:

    I was diagnosed in March 2014 but was running around from doctor to doctor before I finally got a result that I was free from Multiple sclerosis (MS). Mine started on top and progressed into the bottom. I could walk very little but needed assistance as I have no balance. It is sad all the time that we thought this disease has no cure with all the technology we have while there are some formulas that can reverse all MS symptoms and get rid of it  . I’m passing this info to anyone at there because ( www multivitamincare .org ) has the right cure and caregiver to this disease ….I took various supplements, medicine prescribed by neurologist,PCP and physiotherapy still the disease is was progressing very fast until the Multiple sclerosis (MS) herbal remedies from that company .

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