Both chewing and swallowing require a number of muscles in the mouth and throat to work in a coordinated way. In MS, the nerves that control these muscles can become damaged causing weakness and incoordination that can provoke swallowing problems.
The systemic inflammation related to MS can directly affect nerves in the mouth and face — gums included. Inflammation can also affect the bones, nerves, mucous membranes, and skin in and around the mouth. Such inflammation often results in pain, sensory changes, mouth ulcers (oral lesions), and other issues.
Deterioration of fine motor control of the tongue is common in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and has a major impact on quality of life.
A study by Spanish researchers showed that people who have MS have high rates of dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal (gum) disease. These problems can impact overall health in a number of ways. “Good oral hygiene has been shown to be very important,” says Kashani.
Yes, multiple sclerosis can cause facial numbness. For many people, numbness or tingling are common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. If facial numbness makes eating, chewing, speaking, or other daily activities difficult to perform, it may be a good idea to reach out to a healthcare provider.
MS patients may have lesions of the brainstem affecting the direct nerve supply to the tongue and throat muscles. More commonly in my experience, multiple lesions (MS plaques) involving both cerebral hemispheres of the brain cause a lack of coordination of the tongue and throat swallowing muscles.
When you have MS, your own immune system attacks the nerves in your brain and spinal cord. That can cause numbness or strange sensations, including in your tongue or face. MS can make it harder for you to chew or swallow and more likely for you to bite your tongue or the inner side of your cheeks.
People living with MS may be at increased risk of dental diseases due to variety of factors such as reduced manual dexterity to undertake tooth brushing. Some of the side effects of medications taken for MS, cause a reduction in saliva in the mouth (Xerostomia) which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Socket sclerosis is usually asymptomatic and does not require any treatment. The only potential complication arises during orthodontic treatment, wherein sclerosed socket of the premolar teeth may be an obstacle in closing the space by movement of teeth through the extraction space.
Individuals with MS are at increased risk for dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis due to the physical effects of MS, as well as these patients' reduced immune response. Customized dental treatment planning and customized oral hygiene regimens must be implemented.
Associated Difficulties – Excessive Saliva
Some people may find they have more saliva in their mouths than they can manage. This is not the result of increased saliva production, but of lip, cheek and tongue weakness and less frequent swallowing. This can cause drooling.
There are many potential causes of numbness in the mouth. Examples include nutrient deficiencies, allergies, and chronic underlying medical conditions. A person should see a doctor if they experience persistent numbness of the mouth, or if the numbness is accompanied by other worrying symptoms.
While facial drooping is often a sign of other disorders such as Bell's palsy, Lyme disease, or even stroke, it may be an early sign of MS.
MS can cause swallowing problems if there's damage or inflammation in any part of the brain that controls swallowing. This includes an area called the 'brainstem', which connects your brain to your spinal cord. The effects of MS in the brain could: make it harder to feel food and drink in your mouth.
For dental patients with multiple sclerosis, dental implants can be immensely helpful, as they support the denture and minimize its chances of slipping or dislodging, and they don't interfere with the patient's ability to talk or to swallow.
your genes – MS isn't directly inherited, but people who are related to someone with the condition are more likely to develop it; the chance of a sibling or child of someone with MS also developing it is estimated to be around 2 to 3 in 100.
Severe tightening of facial skin can cause your mouth to become smaller and narrower, which may make it hard to brush your teeth or to even have them professionally cleaned. People who have scleroderma often don't produce normal amounts of saliva, so the risk of dental decay increases even more.
Constantly grinding or clenching your teeth will wear away your dental enamel. Poor oral hygiene: Teeth prone to decay, cavities, or have a lack of pulp, can make your teeth brittle. The cause of this condition could be inadequate brushing or even over-brushing, which wears down the enamel.
There is no scientific evidence that dental work itself can cause or worsen MS. However, people with the condition may find it exhausting to attend long dental appointments. In this sense, having dental work could increase fatigue and worsen MS symptoms, as any other activity a person finds tiring might do.
Lack of vitamin D can lead to dental caries, and weak or brittle teeth that easily break, chip, and crack.
People with more advanced MS are more likely to experience altered smell. A study of 50 people with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) or secondary progressive MS (SPMS) reported that 40 percent of patients experienced hyposmia, specifically regarding a reduced ability to detect odors (i.e., higher odor threshold).
Usually, MS facial twitching affects one side of your face at a time. And you may notice other facial symptoms first, like numbness, tingling, weakness, or other weird sensations. “People will usually say, 'My face feels swollen, but I look in the mirror and it's not swollen,'” Stoll says.
Lesions in the brain may affect cognitive abilities. Some people with MS have trouble with memory, attention and concentration, multitasking and decision-making, says Dr. Scherz. The changes are usually mild at the beginning, but can be frustrating as time goes by.