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Multiple sclerosis and its impact on dental care

British Dental Journal volume 231, pages 281–286 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis affects approximately 130,000 people in the UK. Due to the wide variation in the symptoms associated with this condition and their variable severity, the provision of dental care for affected patients must be determined by an individual's specific needs. This will often vary significantly over time. This paper reviews the aetiology, presentation and current management of multiple sclerosis, and explores the impact of these on oral health and the provision of dental care.

Key points

  • Review of aetiology and presentation of multiple sclerosis.

  • Update on current medical management of multiple sclerosis.

  • Important factors which need to be considered in the provision of safe dental care for patients with multiple sclerosis.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oral Surgery, King´s College Dental Hospital, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9RW, UK

    Jashme Patel

  2. Department of Special Care, King´s College Dental Hospital, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9RW, UK

    Ria Prasad

  3. King´s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK

    Cathy Bryant

  4. Department of Community and Special Care Dentistry, King´s College Dental Hospital, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9RW, UK

    Hannah Connolly

  5. Department of Dental Hygiene and Therapy, King´s College Dental Hospital, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9RW, UK

    Brogan Teasdale

  6. Department of Special Care Dentistry, King´s College NHS Foundation Trust, Dental Institute, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK

    Sukina Moosajee

Authors
  1. Jashme Patel
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Correspondence to Jashme Patel.

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The authors declare there are no conflicts of interest.

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Cite this article

Patel, J., Prasad, R., Bryant, C. et al. Multiple sclerosis and its impact on dental care. Br Dent J 231, 281–286 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-3333-0

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