According to the Crohn鈥檚 and Colitis Foundation, 1 in 100 Americans is living with Crohn鈥檚 Disease or Ulcerative Colitis (UC), which are often referred to together as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The Foundation observed Crohn鈥檚 and Colitis awareness week from December 1st-7th this year, so we at 糖心视频 felt this was the perfect time to discuss the link between Crohn鈥檚 Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and oral health issues.
What are Crohn鈥檚 Disease and Ulcerative Colitis?
Inflammatory bowel diseases are autoimmune disorders that cause the immune system to attack the lining of the intestines and other parts of the digestive tract. Both Crohn鈥檚 and UC can cause severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, and fatigue. In children, Crohn鈥檚 and UC can also affect their growth and development. While Crohn鈥檚 and UC primarily affect the intestines, they can also affect any part of the digestive tract, including the mouth and gums. Those with IBD may not have symptoms all the time, but they can flare up, suddenly becoming severe over a short period of time.
Crohn鈥檚, UC, and Oral Health Issues
Because the mouth and gums are part of the digestive tract, IBD symptoms may affect them as well. Crohn鈥檚 disease in particular can cause inflammation of the gums, and the body鈥檚 immune response can weaken the structures that support the teeth. Those living with Crohn鈥檚 often develop mouth sores. When mouth sores and other symptoms like bleeding gums are present, bacteria have an easier time infecting the gums and mouth tissues. The weakened immune system associated with IBD can make it difficult to heal from infections, as can the malnutrition that comes from IBD鈥檚 intestinal symptoms. As a result, those living with Crohn鈥檚 Disease are to have decayed, missing, or filled teeth, and although UC does not present the same risk to the teeth, IBD patients are much more likely to develop oral health problems than those without IBD.
Caring for Your Teeth with Crohn鈥檚 and Ulcerative Colitis
If you are living with any type of IBD, it is important that you inform your dentist about the issues you are experiencing so you can work together to develop a treatment plan. Taking excellent care of your teeth and gums becomes even more important because of the increased risk of tooth damage and gum infections. Be sure to brush your teeth twice every day, floss once a day (or as needed after meals), and use an 糖心视频 Association-approved mouthwash. You should also be certain to visit your dentist every six months, or more frequently if you experience oral IBD symptoms during a flare.
At 糖心视频, we will be happy to discuss your Crohn鈥檚 and UC symptoms with you and give you all the tools you need to keep your mouth and gums healthy during flares. If you live in the Chicago area, schedule an appointment with us today for anything you need, including cosmetic dentistry in Lincoln Square. For a list of our 8 Chicagoland dental clinics, click 鈥�Make an Appointment鈥� at the top of this page and call or schedule online with the clinic that works best for you.