Multiple Sclerosis and Oral Care

From Volume 29, Issue 6, July 2002 | Pages 273-283

Authors

Janice Fiske

MBE

Senior Lecturer/Honorary Consultant, Department of Special Care Dentistry, Kings, Guy's and St Thomas' Dental Institute of King's College London

Articles by Janice Fiske

Janet Griffiths

LDS, BA

Associate Specialist in Special Care Dentistry, University Dental Hospital, Cardiff.

Articles by Janet Griffiths

Shelagh Thompson

BDS, MPhil, PhD, MSND RCSEd, MFDS RCSEng

Associate Specialist in Special Care Dentistry, University Dental Hospital, Cardiff.

Articles by Shelagh Thompson

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is a complex neurological condition affecting sensory and motor nerve transmission. Its progression and symptoms are unpredictable and vary from person to person as well as over time. Common early symptoms include visual disturbances, facial pain or trigeminal neuralgia and paraesthesia or numbness of feet, legs, hands and arms. These, plus symptoms of spasticity, spasms, tremor, fatigue, depression and progressive disability, impact on the individual's ability to maintain oral health, cope with dental treatment and access dental services. Also, many of the medications used in the symptomatic management of the condition have the potential to cause dry mouth and associated oral disease. There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, and treatment focuses on prevention of disability and maintenance of quality of life. Increasingly a multi-disciplinary team approach is used where the individual, if appropriate his/her carer, and the specialist nurse are key figures. The dental team plays an essential role in ensuring that oral health impacts positively on general health.

Article