An update on myasthenia gravis, challenging disease for the dental profession

• Published in: Journal of Oral Science Vol. 57; no. 3; pp. 161 - 168
• Main Authors: Tamburrini, Alessandro, Tacconi, Federico, Barlattani, Alberta, Mineo, Tommaso C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan Nihon University School of Dentistry 2015
• Subjects: Animals; autoimmune disease; dental management; Dentistry; Humans; Muscle, Skeletal - physiopathology; myasthenia gravis; Myasthenia Gravis - complications; Myasthenia Gravis - drug therapy; Myasthenia Gravis - pathology; Myasthenia Gravis - physiopathology; Stomatognathic Diseases - etiology; Stomatognathic Diseases - therapy
• ISSN: 1343-4934; 1880-4926
• DOI: 10.2334/josnusd.57.161

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by fluctuating weakness and skeletal muscle fatigue. Clinical signs and symptoms may vary considerably according to the age at presentation, patterns of autoantibodies and associated thymic abnormalities, so that therapeutic options are highly individualized. Facial and oropharyngeal muscle weakness is common at disease onset, and therefore dentists are often the first health professionals to encounter these patients. Myasthenic patients require special consideration and advice in order to ensure optimal and safe dental treatment. Oral manifestations, treatment timing and modality, the choice and effects of drugs and medications, and prevention of myasthenic crisis are all important aspects with which dentists and oral health care providers should be thoroughly acquainted. (J Oral Sci 57, 161-168, 2015)