Periodontal Health Profile in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Evaluation of Periodontal Status in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Clinical, Microbiological, and Biochemical Study

This study aims to evaluate the periodontal status of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) through clinical, microbiological, and biochemical parameters. Multiple sclerosis and periodontal diseases are both chronic inflammatory conditions that may share common immunopathological pathways. The primary objective is to investigate the relationship between MS and periodontal health by comparing clinical measurements with the microbial composition and biochemical markers found in saliva samples of patients followed by the Neurology Department.

The research is designed as a multidimensional study involving patients from the Neurology and Periodontology Departments. Participants will undergo a comprehensive periodontal examination to record clinical parameters (such as probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing). In addition to clinical assessments, the study includes:

Saliva Collection and Analysis: Whole unstimulated saliva samples will be collected from all participants under standardized conditions.

Microbiological Evaluation: The collected saliva will be analyzed to determine the microbial profile and identify specific periodontal pathogens associated with MS.

Biochemical Evaluation: Salivary samples will be further analyzed for biochemical markers (such as inflammatory cytokines or enzymes) to evaluate their role in the relationship between systemic inflammation in MS and oral health.

The study will be conducted at the Health Sciences University Gulhane Faculty of Dentistry and Ankara Bilkent City Hospital to provide a thorough understanding of how MS affects the oral ecosystem.

Inclusion Criteria (Test Group):

• Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study.
• Being over 18 years of age.
• Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) according to the 2017 McDonald criteria.
• Being able to communicate clearly and effectively.

Inclusion Criteria (Control Group):

• Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study.
• Being over 18 years of age.
• Not having a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) according to the 2017 McDonald criteria.
• Being able to communicate clearly and effectively.

Exclusion Criteria (Test Group):

• Being under 18 years of age.
• Patients whose MS diagnosis is not yet definitive.
• Being pregnant or in the lactation (breastfeeding) period.
• Having received antibiotic treatment within the last 3 months.
• Having received periodontal treatment within the last 6 months.
• Patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Exclusion Criteria (Control Group):

• Being under 18 years of age.
• Being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) according to the 2017 McDonald criteria.
• Being pregnant or in the lactation (breastfeeding) period.
• Having received antibiotic treatment within the last 3 months.
• Having received periodontal treatment within the last 6 months.
• Patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy.