The oral health of people living with Multiple Sclerosis.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The oral health status, oral health behaviour, oral health related quality of life and barriers to accessing dental care for people living with Multiple Sclerosis.
IRAS ID
179528
Contact name
Blanaid Daly
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 15 days
Research summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition affecting the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. MS causes a wide range of symptoms including problems associated with muscle movements, balance and vision. It is a progressively disabling condition leading to a wide range of physical, social and psychological problems, including a decline in dental health. 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. In addition poor dental health may affect vitamin absorption including that of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is postulated to have a contributory role in MS aetiology and progression. In order to provide dental care that is appropriate to the needs of this group of patients, it is important that the dental condition of the mouth is fully understood and described. We know little about the dental health and its impact on quality of life of people living with MS. It is this information gap that the proposed study intends to address. All patients attending the MS clinic at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (N=60-95) or the King's College Hospital Foundation Trust (N=5) from January 2016 to April 2016 will be invited to take part in the study and we aim to recruit N=60-100 participants. Participation will involve completing a questionnaire (10 minutes), having a basic dental examination (10-15 minutes) and providing a salivary sample ( 5 minutes). Time in total 30 minutes. For N=20 participants the saliva sample will be retained and sent to a HTA compliant lab for analysis of Vitamin D binding properties.
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/2162
Date of REC Opinion
18 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion