Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Multiple sclerosis and oral health: an update
1Division of Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA.
The New York State Dental Journal
|June 18, 2013
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and periodontal disease share inflammatory origins. Dental professionals play a crucial role in managing oral health for MS patients, preventing complications and improving their quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Oral Health
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease affecting 69.1 per 100,000 person-years globally.
- Both MS and periodontal disease are characterized by inflammatory processes.
- Effective oral hygiene can be challenging for individuals with MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the inflammatory link between multiple sclerosis and periodontal disease.
- To emphasize the importance of dental professionals' awareness and role in managing MS patients' oral health.
- To advocate for the identification and support of MS patients within dental settings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on the inflammatory pathways common to MS and periodontal disease.
- Analysis of the impact of impaired oral hygiene on dental health in MS patients.
- Discussion of the role of dental professionals in providing preventive and therapeutic oral care.
Main Results:
- A shared inflammatory etiology exists between multiple sclerosis and periodontal disease.
- Individuals with MS are at increased risk for dental caries and periodontal disease due to difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene.
- Dental interventions are essential for preventing oral health complications in MS patients.
Conclusions:
- Dental professionals must recognize the connection between MS and periodontal disease.
- Proactive dental care, including professional intervention for oral hygiene, is vital for MS patients.
- Integrating MS patient identification into dental practice can enhance patient support and improve quality of life.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
01:27The Oral Microbiota
The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:11Oral Cavity
The oral cavity, or the mouth, is a complex structure in humans that plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives. Its role is not only in chewing and swallowing food; it also plays a role in speech and facial expressions.
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
01:15Teeth
The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...