The Relationship Between Multiple Sclerosis And Periodontal Health: A Clinical-Immunological Study

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential relationship between the severity of neurological signs and the periodontal condition in patients with multiple sclerosis by using clinical and inflammatory markers.Materials and Methods: 131 patients aged 18-69 who were diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis (MS) were included in the study. The participants were categorized into two groups based on their Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score: the first group had EDSS score =3; and the second group had EDSS score =3,5. Neurogical examination was carried out by a neurologist and MS types, EDSS scores were recorded. Detailed periodontal examination including pocket depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), gingival index (GI) and plaque index (PI) were recorded, and gingival fluid (GF) samples were collected.Results: The results showed that the GI, PI, PD, GR were found to be higher in patients with higher EDSS scores compared to patients with lower EDSS score. No significant differences were observed between immunological measurements. The correlation and regression analyzes revealed that periodontal status is associated with EDSS scores and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 levels.Conclusion: In conclusion; it has been observed that as the severity of the disease increases in MS patients, periodontal clinical conditions are also negatively affected. In order to better understand this subject immunological, genetic, neurological studies should be performed in larger study populations are needed.