Seizures and teeth

Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition in the UK. Around one person in every 100 people has epilepsy (more than half a million people in the UK). People with epilepsy may be well known to individual dental practices as seizures often result in recurrent dental injuries, while some anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) have oral side effects, necessitating more frequent appointments. Dentists need to be aware of the issues surrounding seizures and teeth to ensure good dental healthcare of epilepsy patients.

The unpredictable nature of seizures combined with side effects from some medications can add to the long-term impact of epilepsy. Issues range from experiences in the dental chair to gum disease, broken or lost teeth and the stigma associated with dental injuries.

Research has shown epileptic seizures to be the most common medical incident in the dental surgery – stress and hypoglycaemia are often triggers for seizures. Dental injuries rate as the third most common non-fatal seizure related injury after head injuries and burns and scalds, and people with epilepsy (unless on means-tested benefits) can pay a heavy price for having the condition, needing repeated dental treatments for seizure related teeth and gum damage.