MS doesn’t just affect nerves — it can affect your smile too.

Oral health isn’t usually the first thing people think about when discussing Multiple Sclerosis — but it should be.Research shows that people with MS are more likely to develop gum disease, dry mouth, tooth sensitivity, and difficulty performing daily oral-care routines. Not because of poor habits, but because MS affects the body systems needed for proper oral hygiene: motor control, coordination, saliva production, energy levels, and even inflammation.

This article explains why oral health can become more challenging with MS, the mechanisms behind it, and practical strategies that actually help.

1. MS Affects the Muscles You Use for Brushing & Flossing

Brushing and flossing are surprisingly complex motor tasks — they require steady grip strength, fine coordination, and consistent arm movement.But MS can interfere with:

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common and often frustrating issue for many people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This condition can be exacerbated by certain medications and the overall impact of MS on the body. Studies have shown that dry mouth can affect a significant number of MS patients, impacting their quality of life and oral health. Understanding the causes and finding effective ways to manage dry mouth is crucial for maintaining oral health and overall well-being.

Understanding the Causes

Several factors contribute to dry mouth in MS patients:

Medications: Many medications prescribed for MS and its symptoms, including those for spasticity, depression, and pain, can reduce saliva production. Anticholinergic drugs, in particular, are known to cause dry mouth.

Neurological Impact: MS can affect the nerves that control saliva production, leading to decreased saliva flow. The demyelination of nerves in the brain and spinal cord can disrupt normal saliva secretion.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a multifaceted neurological disorder that influences various aspects of an individual's life. While the focus typically centers on its impact on mobility and neurological function, the connection between MS and oral hygiene/health is an emerging field of interest. MS can have both direct and indirect impacts on oral health. A recent study shows that people with MS have higher rates of tooth decay and gum disease.

MS-related medications and physical effects of MS (such as fatigue, pain, vision problems, etc.) may directly or indirectly increase the risk of dental disease in MS patients. Good oral and dental hygiene should be a priority for MS patients since it will avoid infections which may trigger MS and improve digestion and overall health. Although visible and invisible disabilities associated with MS could make dental care very difficult for some patients, poor dental hygiene can trigger and worsen MS.

This…

Beyond the Smile: Maintaining Oral Health in MS

MS can have both direct and indirect impacts on oral health. A study by Spanish researchers shows that people with MS have higher rates of tooth decay and gum disease.

MS-related medications and physical effects of MS (such as fatigue, pain, vision problems, etc.) may directly or indirectly increase the risk of dental disease in MS patients. Good oral and dental hygiene should be a priority for MS patients since it will avoid infections which may trigger MS and improve digestion and overall health. Although visible and invisible disabilities associated with MS could make dental care very difficult for some patients, poor dental hygiene can trigger and worsen MS.

1- It's very important to keep up your daily dental routine including proper brushing and flossing.

2- Schedule regular dental appointments and inform your dentist about your MS and medications. Let your dentis…