Oral cavity and systemic diseases - Inflammatory bowel diseases

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) refer to two chronic diseases which involve the large and small intestines: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The aim of this review is to focus on main oral signs related to IBD based on three important conditions: 1. Oral signs corresponding to the activity of the disease; 2. Oral manifestation which may precede the onset of intestinal lesions; 3. Oral findings which are related to a specific treatment. Some particularities of the pathogenesis of IBD and the presentation of different oral lesions are discussed and general and specific practical dental recommendations for systemic and local therapy are presented.