Mouth sores

Hi Onedaymore, I have had mouth sores long before I even was diagnosed with IBD. When I was on Methotrexate, it increased and was extremely painful. Now, I'm off it and still have them as you describe. I can even have 4 or five sores at the same time. I was told two interpretations: the first refers this back to Crohn's itself as Crohn's can affect the GIT from mouth to anus. The other opinion sees it to be a result of malnutrition. My own observation is that when my reflux increases, these sores increase as well.
In either way, you have to take take folic acid supplements other than that found in a multivitamin if you take one. Ask your doc to prescribe you a folic acid supplement. Another suggestion could be using a paste and ointments like Oracort, I'm not sure (I don't have it where I live but it was once suggested by a fellow Crohnie) and there are OTC tablets that can be stuck on the sore and relieve the pain. They are meant for aphtous (sp?) ulcers.
Hope you feel better soon. I know how painful these sores can be.

I went to the dentist today because I thought it was a cavity that was bothering me. Turns out I have sores in my gums. I have been on Imuran since September and just refilled my prescription two weeks ago.......the sores started about a week after starting the new bottle of pills. I am going to call my GI tomorrow and see what he says. These are extremely painful. Rinsing with baking soda and warm water as per my dentist but no relief yet.

Thanks for all of these suggestions! I went to the doctor today -- turns out it's gingivitis (this time, anyway). I'm on antibiotics, so we'll see what happens *crosses fingers*

This has plagued me for years and I've found that switching to "sensitive" mouth products makes a HUGE difference. Try switching to Sensodyne or Aquafresh Sensitivity or another sensitivity toothpaste, and do the same for mouthwashes. Also make sure you use a "gentle care" floss, like one that's woven rather than waxy and sharp. This problem was unbearable before I made these changes. Also, acidic foods and juices will aggravate the problem - I've noticed it mostly with orange juices. I had a GI doctor explain to me that since Crohn's causes general inflammation and sensitivity in the mucous membranes (including the lining of the mouth), minor injuries or irritants (like non-sensitive toothpaste) can inflame to become painful ulcers.

Background: this happened to me constantly in my late teens - multiple, painful white ulcers. I went to multiple dentists that couldn't offer much to help (but could confirm it was not herpes or cold sores or anything else communicable). Less than two years later, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, and have ever since been told that this is a typical "mild" Crohn's symptom.