Abstract

Objective To determine the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on patient attendance at dental practices and maintenance of oral health.

Design A cross-sectional postal questionnaire-based study.

Setting Leicestershire, United Kingdom.

Subjects and methods People with MS in Leicestershire identified from local health authority records (n = 476).

Main outcome measures Number registered at dental practice, frequency of attendance, issues and perspectives relating to attendance and maintenance of oral health.

Results A response rate of 61% (n = 289) was obtained. When compared to the general population, a higher number of people with MS were registered with a dentist (49%:88%) and displayed more frequent practice attendance (71%:81%) in the past year. People with MS reported difficulties in attending a dentist and maintaining oral health, which were exacerbated by deterioration in general health. Problems relating to reduced personal mobility had the greatest impact on attendance.

Conclusions MS has a negative impact on perceived patient attendance and maintenance of oral health. Patients with a progressive disability could benefit greatly from the provision of preventive oral health care. The importance of seeking care earlier rather than later needs to be emphasised to both professionals and patients alike. Further efforts are required to increase awareness of the importance of oral health to the quality of life of people with MS and ensure that individuals with physical disabilities receive the same access to dental services as the able-bodied.