According to the National Institutes of Health, 5% - 8% of the US population has some type of an autoimmune disease. Our immune system is designed to fight off viruses and other organisms that can make us sick. When you have an autoimmune disease, the body's immune system attacks healthy cells, tissues, or organs. This can cause inflammation and affect many parts of the body, depending on the type of disease. In this article, we will focus on Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, which are types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
HOW IBD AFFECTS ORAL HEALTH
Oral health can be affected by conditions that occur in other parts of the body, and vice-versa. In other words, inflammation in the body can affect the oral cavity – but inflammation in the oral cavity can also travel to other parts of your body, which can make the management of an autoimmune disease even more difficult. Although Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis affect the gastrointestinal tract, they can also cause issues with the mouth. Some examples:
TOOTH DECAY: Dry mouth – either from the condition itself or medications taken to manage it – is not only uncomfortable but can lead to tooth decay. Without a healthy salivary flow to neutralize acids, bacteria is not washed away. Healthy salivary flow helps neutralize acids and overall maintains a healthy pH balance in your mouth.
PERIODONTAL DISEASE: Autoimmune diseases can lower your body’s natural defenses against infection. This can make gums more susceptible to gingivitis, which can progress into more advanced stages of gum disease.
MOUTH ULCERS: Patients with IBD can not only develop ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, but also can develop them in the mouth and on the lips. These painful ulcers make eating difficult, which can cause or exacerbate vitamin deficiencies. Keeping that in mind, it also makes daily brushing and flossing difficult.
MAKING ADJUSTMENTS TO HOME CARE DURING A FLARE
Patients with mouth and lip sores may find the foaming agent in some toothpastes (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) to be irritating. The good news is that there are non-foaming toothpastes available.
Staying hydrated will help with dry mouth and will help maintain a health pH level. There are products available to help stimulate saliva production as well.
KEEP YOUR DENTIST INFORMED
Delivering great care to our patients starts before you even step into our office. Before your appointment, we send out a request to update your medical history. Please be sure to include all conditions and medications so we can review them prior to your visit. While it may seem like another chore added to your day, it will just take a few minutes. We promise.
Questions? Reach out to us by phone at (781) 942-2020, by e-mail at info@drkhull.com, or by navigating to the Contact tab of our website.
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