Dental management of patients with myasthenia gravis: a literature review

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2005 Aug;100(2):158-63. doi: 10.1016/j.tripleo.2005.01.003.

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disease characterized by muscular weakness and fatigability. Dental management of patients diagnosed with myasthenia gravis presents a challenge to the dental profession. A MEDLINE search of the English medical (limited to provision in dental care) and dental literature on myasthenia gravis and dental management published between 1975 and 2004 was conducted. In the dental literature, 12 articles were found, and only a few focused on myasthenia gravis and dental care. The purpose of this article was to review and summarize the clinical signs and symptoms associated with myasthenia gravis, highlighting the role of the dental profession in the process of the diagnosis and management of the oral and dental complications that might be associated with the disease, while avoiding myasthenic crisis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Contraindications
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology
  • Dental Care for Chronically Ill* / adverse effects
  • Dysarthria / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Masticatory Muscles / physiopathology
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / complications
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / physiopathology
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / therapy
  • Pneumonia, Aspiration / prevention & control
  • Rubber Dams

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives