Multiple sclerosis and oral symptoms
There are three multiple sclerosis symptoms in the oral cavity that should be of interest to the dental hygienist.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
After the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis trigeminal neuralgia usually appears. Clients who have trigeminal neuralgia will experience “lightning-like pain” through their face when brushing or simply applying makeup. These attacks are impulsive or irritated by a simple stimulation on the face. Pains occur regularly. Trigeminal Neuralgia can progress to longer more recurrent bouts of scorching pain. It is important for the dental hygienist to distinguish this pain from other types of facial pain. recognizing the cause of the pain will lead to correct findings of multiple sclerosis symptoms.
Sensory Neuropathy of the trigeminal nerve
Sensory Neuropathy affects the second and third divisions of the trigeminal nerve. It is progressive, irreversible and bilateral. Commencement is sudden and is occasionally comes with pain. Neuropathy of the mental nerve causes numbness of the lower lip and chin, with or without pain.
Facial Palsy
Facial Paralysis is the total loss of voluntary muscle movement of one side of the face. This appears later in the process of the disease. Despite the sophistication of diagnostic tools it may be difficult to differentiate between the paralysis caused by multiple scleroses and that due to Bell’s palsy.
Dental Caries
MS patients experience caries at a higher rate than the general population. A higher caries rate may be due to:
- Cross reactivity of streptococcus mutants
- Xerostomic effects of medication
- Diet
- Difficulties with oral self-care
- Fatigue.
Amalgam Filling Controversy
For years, it has been alleged that dental amalgam fillings (containing mercury) are hazardous and can cause nervous system disorders, such as MS. The ADA position statement and the FDA consider dental amalgam a safe, affordable, and durable material.
