Multiple sclerosis

Study links periodontal bacterium to multiple sclerosis disability severity

by Oral Health
The Hiroshima University researchers note that MS prevalence in Japan has risen over recent decades, a trend thought to be influenced by environmental changes. (iStock)

A Hiroshima University study has found that higher levels of the periodontal bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum in the mouth were associated with greater disability in people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), though the researchers caution the findings do not establish cause and effect. The cross-sectional observational study, published in Scientific Reports, analyzed tongue-coating samples collected from … Read more

Multiple sclerosis and periodontal disease: Local factors in focus

by Colleen C. Porter, RDH, B.Ed.; Christina R. Grimo, BSc
PG-Fig1b alternate text for this image

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system dysregulates and mistakenly targets and attacks its cells.1 While the exact etiology remains unclear, it generally involves a genetic predisposition combined with an environmental trigger, such as bacterial or viral infections, hormonal changes, environmental toxins, certain medications, smoking, obesity, and gut dysbiosis.2,3 Even sun exposure can trigger certain autoimmune … Read more