Oral health and myasthenia gravis: What you need to know

Last updated Nov. 5, 2025, by Lisa Marie Basile
✅ Fact-checked by Joana Carvalho, PhD

 

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder that affects how the nerves and muscles communicate. This can lead to muscle weakness throughout the body, including the face.

As a result, you may have difficulty opening your eyes or making facial expressions. MG can also affect the bulbar muscles, which are responsible for controlling functions that include speaking, chewing, and swallowing.

Because these muscles directly impact your mouth and throat, MG may increase your risk of developing dental and oral health problems. Protecting your oral health is, therefore, an important part of living well with MG.

Common oral health issues in MG patients

Not everyone with MG will experience the same symptoms or have the same disease prognosis. However, mouth problems are generally more common in people with MG than in those without the condition.

You may experience oral health issues due to:

  • weakness in bulbar and facial muscles that make it difficult to bite, swallow, or chew
  • lack of dentist appointment visits because of pain or fear
  • reduced denture stability or ability to wear dentures, which may further exacerbate MG symptoms
  • reduced ability to floss or brush teeth due to weakness
  • times when the disease exacerbation causes fatigue, preventing good oral care
  • medications that cause oral bone loss, such as corticosteroids, or medications that increase the risk of mucosal lesions, like some immunosuppressants
  • immune-suppressing medications that may delay wound healing and increase the risk of infections following dental treatment
  • infections

Tips for daily oral care with MG

If taking care of your oral health is tricky for you, you’re not alone. Dental care and MG can be challenging, but there are ways to modify and adapt your daily routine to prevent fatigue and discomfort.

Tips for an MG-friendly dental routine include:

  • Get comfortable while brushing your teeth: Instead of standing over the sink, sit down and save some energy. MG can cause fatigue, especially when your disease is active, so sparing yourself the extra energy is key.
  • Use an electronic toothbrush for muscle weakness: This device will help you get deeper into the nooks and crannies of your mouth without straining.
  • Have your toothbrush and toothpaste handy: Rather than keeping your toiletries high up on a shelf where you’d have to reach for them, make them easily accessible.
  • Invest in a water flosser, floss holders, and mouthwash: These items will boost your oral health and are relatively easy to use.

Beyond daily care, regular dental visits and cleanings are essential to your oral care journey, so make sure you see your dentist as often as they recommend.

Talking to your dentist and care team about MG

Dental treatment in MG requires a care team that understands the disease. You’ll want to ensure your dentist is familiar with the unique relationship between MG and oral health.

This might mean setting up an appointment solely to discuss what MG is, along with your specific needs and limitations, ahead of any dental work. Some things to discuss with them include:

  • how MG may impact a dental visit, and if you’ll need specific tools, like dental dams or rubber mouth props
  • appointment times, as MG tends to worsen in the afternoons
  • how your dental sessions may need to be shorter to accommodate fatigue and other issues
  • which medications are contraindicated for MG
  • how dental anesthesia might safely be used, if needed
  • daily oral hygiene practices for MG

You might also consider having your provider or neurologist contact your dentist to collaborate on the best dental care plan for you.

Signs it’s time to call your dentist

Managing oral care with a neuromuscular disease can be tricky, but staying on top of your dentist visits will pay dividends in the long term. Beyond regular checkups, it might be worth seeing a dental care team if you:

  • notice a change in your bite or worsening jaw weakness
  • experience increased chewing or swallowing difficulty
  • notice signs of an infection, like pus, tooth or gum pain, and redness
  • notice your gums are bleeding
  • experience teeth breaking or chipping
  •  have started a new MG medication that may increase oral infection risk or bone loss
  • are concerned about your dental hygiene in general
  • have questions about brushing teeth with MG

By working closely with your care team, staying consistent with checkups, and using strategies that reduce fatigue and discomfort, you can better protect your teeth, gums, and overall well-being while managing MG.

Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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