title: Fibromyalgia syndrome: considerations for dental hygienists.
abstract: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a neurosensory disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. Typically persistent fatigue, depression, limb stiffness, non-refreshing sleep and cognitive deficiencies are also experienced. Oral symptoms and pain are common, requiring adaptations in patient management strategies and treatment interventions. Appropriate dental hygiene care of patients suffering with this disorder is contingent upon an understanding of disease epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, oral signs and symptoms, as well as treatment approaches. With this information dental hygienists will be better prepared to provide appropriate and effective treatment to patients with FMS.
authors.forename: Amber
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Walters
authors.forename: Susan L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Tolle
authors.forename: Gayle M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: McCombs
mesh_terms: D003729:Dental Care; D003756:Dental Hygienists; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic
keywords: fibromyalgia; medically complex patients; oral hygiene; orofacial pain; special needs