Author- Dr Aparna Pandya( Mrs India Vivacious 2019)

MS poses a very high risk to dental diseases but by taking certain measures and following some techniques can help you take proper care of your teeth.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder. Lack of awareness among people regarding its effect on oral cavity poses lot of problems. MS Can Pose Challenges to Dental Hygiene.

Adequate oral self-care can challenging for MS patients:

• Focusing on your MS-related health needs may distract you from taking proper care of your teeth and gums.
• Fatigue and mobility problems are common symptoms of MS.
• Certain symptoms of MS can make it difficult to properly care for your teeth and gums. The effectiveness of tooth brushing and cleaning interdentally by flossing is challenged by fatigue, spasticity, weakness, tremor etc.
• Some medications used to treat MS symptoms can cause dry mouth (xerostomia), which in turn can cause bacteria to accumulate.

The Effect of MS Medications on the Mouth

The treatment line used for MS causes certain problems such as dry mouth in patients, which inturn can lead to a condition called halitosis, popularly known as dry mouth.

Immunosuppressive and immunomodulating therapies increases the chances for gingivitis, leukoplakia etc.

Other common problems include toothache, sinusitis, and mucositis (inflammation of the digestive tract).

Steps for Maintaining Good Dental Hygiene

• Brush your teeth twice a day: after breakfast and before going to sleep.
• Use a toothpaste with fluoride. 
• Floss daily.
• Use a tongue scraper or brush your tongue daily.
• Eat a well-balanced diet without too many sweets.
• Have regular dental appointments, usually every six months.
• Replace your toothbrush at least every three to four months.
• See your dentist as soon as possible if you experience bleeding gums, tooth or jaw pain, or tooth sensitivity.

Adjusting Your Dental Routine When You Have MS

If your MS symptoms or medications are getting in the way of your oral hygiene, the following tips can help,

• Use toothbrushes with built-up handles.
• Use flossing tools to help you floss.
• Sit down when you brush and floss if standing up is too tiring.
• Floss in the morning if you are too tired at night, or floss while you’re in bed.
• Ask a family member or personal assistant to help you brush and floss.
• Wear a weighted glove while brushing to manage tremors.

Following tips are found to be very helpful in patients on MS medications:

• Regularly sip water or sugarless drinks.
• Avoid caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol.
• Use a small squirt of lemon in the mouth or suck on sugarless lemon candies to stimulate the parotid glands (which control saliva).
• Run a humidifier at night.