Can multiple sclerosis affect oral health?

Since MS or multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder, a lot of people may not recognize that it can also affect their oral health. The truth is, MS can impact the gums, teeth, and mouth in both indirect and direct ways. With careful adjustments and planning to their routines, those suffering from MS can maintain a healthy oral hygiene.

Challenges to good dental hygiene:

For patients of MS, simple oral self-care such as brushing two times a day or flossing daily — can be extremely difficult. Spasticity, muscle weakness, or lack of coordination can make it very difficult to hold a toothbrush. Loss of balance or fatigue may make it hard to even stand close to the sink.

Brushing teeth may also trigger pain caused due to trigeminal neuralgia or glossopharyngeal neuralgia, a pain that occurs around the tonsils, tongue, ear or jaw.

MS Medications and the mouth

Medications that are consumed by MS patients often have side effects such as dry mouth. Dry mouth further leads to tooth decay and halitosis. Steroids that are often utilized in treating MS relapses tend to suppress the immune system. Therefore, people taking them may not heal very well. In immunosuppressed people, gum disease progresses faster leading to tooth loss.

The first step towards maintaining good oral hygiene with multiple sclerosis is to ensure regular and proper flossing and brushing. Here are a few ways to overcome usual MS challenges.

To overcome difficulty with grip or poor motor coordination:

1. To make the toothbrush easier to hold, wrap foam around it.
2. Use an electric toothbrush. However, avoid the ones with circular brush heads.
3. Ask a family member or personal aide to help you.

For pain:

1. Soft toothbrushes are more comfortable and easy to use.
2. Speak to a dentist Brampton or emergency dentist about medication to relieve any kind of oral pain.

For fatigue:

1. Floss in bed.
2. Sit down on a chair when brushing.

For those who have a hard time brushing in spite of the adaptations, following may be advised:

1. Toothpastes consisting of prescription-strength fluoride. The paste is used two times a day like normal toothpaste.
2. Daily treatments with fluoride at home.
3. Re-mineralization products for the tooth.

A Brampton dentist plays an important part in the life of an MS patient. Regular dental appointments are extremely important. Those patient that are able to take care of oral hygiene at home only need to visit in every six months. However, if dental care at home is compromised, it is best to book an appointment with a dental expert more often.