Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
December 2017
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Vol:
18
Issue:
4

Oral health related quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis

Aims and objectives: Currently, the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL)
is unclear. This study aimed to explore OHRQoL in a sample of people with MS. Methodology: Participants (34 to 75 years) were clients of MS organisations who participated in a focus group discussion. OHRQoL was assessed by the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). This instrument is widely used in oral health research and has been validated in a range of population groups. Results: Forty-one people participated in this study. Participants found it difficult to complete the questionnaire as they were unsure whether the oral health impacts experienced were caused by the symptoms of MS or were dental in origin. Even so, the prevalence of oral health impacts on quality of life was greater in the study population (32.4%, confidence interval (CI) = 24.3%-51.4%) than the general Australian population (18.2% CI 16.2%-20.2%). Conclusions: Despite people with MS experiencing difficulties in interpreting and answering the OHIP-14, this sample of people living with MS had poorer oral health related quality of life than the general Australian population. In the absence of a cure for MS, improving quality of life is a priority to guide broader interventions and specific areas of focus for health practitioners. Support for adapting brushing and flossing techniques to accommodate for various MS symptoms may increase self-efficacy and OHRQoL. MS specific oral health resources and tailored
clinical support aimed at assisting with dental self-care behaviours and increasing self-efficacy are required.

Key words: OHIP-14, oral health, multiple sclerosis, oral health related quality of life

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£
Page Start
111
Page End
116
Authors
N Cockburn, K A Pateman, J Campbell, A Pradhan

Articles from this issue

  • Title
  • Pg. Start
  • Pg. End

  1. Editorial
  2. 110
  3. 110

  1. Oral health related quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis
  2. 111
  3. 116

  1. Formative assessment used to enhance knowledge, skills and student experience in undergraduate sedation teaching
  2. 117
  3. 123

  1. Dental student evaluation of a special care dentistry outreach pilot
  2. 124
  3. 131

  1. The gastric pacemaker and its implications for dental treatment
  2. 132
  3. 137

  1. Oral management of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome): case report and review article
  2. 138
  3. 144

  1. Thanks to our Referees
  2. 145
  3. 145

  1. Continuing Professional Development Programme
  2. 146
  3. 147

  1. Diary dates
  2. 148
  3. 148

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