Linking Crohn's Disease with Dental Healthcare
In a growing body of research, the connection between Crohn's disease and oral health is becoming more evident. This condition, often associated with the digestive system, can also impact the mouth and teeth.
For individuals with Crohn's disease, it's crucial to maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings, and to contact their dentist at least twice a year. This is because people with Crohn's disease may require more dental procedures, such as 65% more removable dentures, 52% more filling in front teeth, and 46% more endodontic treatment.
One less common form of Crohn's disease is oral Crohn's disease, which causes ulceration in and around the mouth. Interestingly, 60% of oral Crohn's disease can initially show up without any gut disease. Over time, 30% of individuals with oral Crohn's disease without gut disease will go on to develop gut symptoms.
Oral and dental manifestations of Crohn's disease, known as oral Crohn's disease, can show up in several ways, including canker sores in the mouth or on the lips, inflammation or cracks in one or both corners of the mouth, throat irritation with visible bumps and lumps at the back, swollen lips, skin tags inside the mouth or behind teeth, thickened mucus inside the mouth, abscess or swelling with discharge.
In more serious cases of oral Crohn's disease or for individuals with extreme swelling, surgery may be necessary. If you have Crohn's disease, it's a good idea to keep track of canker sores, since they're one of the most common oral manifestations of the condition.
Research indicates a strong connection between Crohn's disease and dental conditions like dental caries, infections, and periodontitis. The same pathogens that play a key role in the existence of these dental conditions are also associated with Crohn's disease.
To manage and prevent some oral symptoms of Crohn's disease, it's important to talk with your dentist. Creating a list of questions can help you get the right treatment and prevention plan. Some questions to ask your dentist about the connection between Crohn's disease and oral health include: How does Crohn's disease affect oral health?, What signs or symptoms should I keep an eye out for?, What mouthwash, toothpaste, floss, or toothbrush should I use?, Should I avoid any specific foods or dental products?, etc.
It's also worth noting that up to 35% of people diagnosed with Crohn's disease may experience the illness outside their digestive tract, in a phenomenon known as "extra-intestinal manifestation." Anywhere from 5% to 50% of individuals with extra-intestinal manifestations may have Crohn's disease in their oral cavity.
Researchers from various fields, such as gastroenterology, immunology, parodontology, and interdisciplinary teams, are studying the connections between inflammatory bowel diseases and oral health. Some of the key institutions and research initiatives working in this area include universities with strong medical faculties, research institutes, and organisations specialising in gastroenterology and oral health.
To find current researchers or ongoing studies, it would be helpful to search scientific databases like PubMed or Google Scholar. There, you can search for articles on this topic and consider the authors mentioned in those studies.
