Providing Evidence-based Oral Health Care to Individuals Diagnosed with Degenerative Disorders, Part 1: Multiple Sclerosis
Etiology/causative Agents of MS

The etiology of MS is thought to be multifactorial; the interaction of a genetically susceptible individual with one or more environmental factors. The environmental factors include exposure to Epstein-Barr virus, sun exposure, Vitamin D, and smoking.^1,9-13 It is important for dental professionals to understand smoking has been shown to exacerbate symptoms of MS. It has also been shown to increase risk of disease progression transforming from RRMS to PPMS.^14,15