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IBD link to dental/gum/periodontal issues?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/11/2014 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
For the last several years, my dentist has been telling me that, for someone my age (41), I have severe gum recession, some gum inflammation (even through brush and floss every day), and bone loss in my jaw.

My dad also has UC and has had a lot of dental/gum issues, recession, etc.

Yesterday at my alternative doctor appointment, I mentioned this. She said a lot of people with GI issues also have dental issues, because the gums/digestive tract are all connected.

So here's my little informal survey of lots of folks with IBD - Do you also have "unexplained" dental/gum/periodontal issues?

I'm very curious. Thanks! :)
Posted 2/11/2014 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
no, I have very good teeth with some sensitivity related to some recession (that's probably related to overzealous brushing when I was younger, hormonal changes and aging. I do use fluoride toothpaste and it's been in our city water for a long while. That might be a plus. I also drank lots of milk as a child/teen.

My friend who has fistulising CD has had recession, bone deterioration in her jaw, etc....but she might have had that starting at a young age because of whatever reason.

There are other issues involved including genetics, meds, low vitamin/mineral levels, mouth bacterial levels, mouth enzymes, saliva level...etc, etc, etc

Have you had your vitamin D levels checked...including calcium, magnesium, etc?

q
Posted 2/11/2014 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
Last time I had my vitamin levels checked was a couple of years ago. I can't remember now what was low, but generally everything was okay then. I do take vitamin D and calcium/magnesium supplements.

I know genetics plays a role. I just had a dentist appointment recently and got an earful about how much my gums are receeding. I think overall, I take very good care of my teeth, so it's very frustrating. Maybe if I find that lots of UC folks have dental issues, I won't feel so frustrated about it. eyes
Posted 2/11/2014 8:26 PM (GMT 0)
well CD is mouth-to-anus. But, I would think IBD could be associated with malabsorbtion of calcium or other nutrients important for dental health. Also, lower hydration can reduce saliva, and a dry mouth is thought to be responsible for the rotten teeth of Meth addicts.

I get inflammation other than in my colon, and it plays havoc with my gums: teeth move, food get trapped.

I also get some tooth sensitivity whenever I am on pred.
Posted 2/11/2014 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, when I flare or right before I will get sore spots on my gums. I have had gum recession where they graphed tissue from the top of my mouth to the recessed spot on my lower front gums.
I took flouride vitamins as a kid, our water did not have flouride. I have very nice, healthy teeth. Before being diagnosed, getting my teeth cleaned was becoming so painful I would take an 800 ibuprofen before going to the dentist. I was getting close to asking for some laughing gas just to have my teeth cleaned. Now, it doesn't hurt and I don't have much plaque build up like before so I am back out of there in no time.
Posted 2/11/2014 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
I have what my dentist calls "sensitive" gums with some minor recession. This runs in my family but my gums like to bleed no matter how much I floss. After my youngest was born the inflammation one can get from pregnancy never went away until I developed UC and began treatment. My dentist commented this October that my gums look better than ever so who knows. They do still bleed occasionally when I floss (daily).
Posted 2/11/2014 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
As a side note, I have heard of many complaining of coming down with IBD or having a flare due to antibiotics prescribed as the result of dental procedures. My teeth and gums have always been normal.
Posted 2/11/2014 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
I have excellent teeth (a modest remark :) and still i have uc. In my opinion these two things are unrelated
Posted 2/11/2014 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
I have awesome teeth & gums!

I had overwhelming jaw pain when I was on prednisone and trying Imuran for the first time. I had no idea what was happening to me, but it was the worst pain I've had over an extended period. The oral surgeon said they do not take insurance for TMJD treatment. I got a bite guard and Vicodin instead. I haven't had that happen again since I've been off of prednisone, but my dentist was not sure of the real cause.
Posted 2/12/2014 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
Very interesting, thanks all for the comments. I guess it's never an "all or nothing" situation.
Posted 2/12/2014 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
Absolutely. I had the same problem. Receeding gums and bone loss in the jaw. I was dx'ed with UC when I was 35 and my mouth was in terrible shape. And I always took good care of my teeth. Interestingly enough, once I had surgery and no longer have UC (or shall I say no longer have the inflammation in my body) my mouth has improved a lot. I do make sure I go for cleanings every 4 months to keep on top of it. But I have no doubt that UC played a role in that deterioration. My dentist agreed as well that it plays a role.
Posted 2/12/2014 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
I have some receding and sensitive gums, too, but lately my teeth seem like they're falling apart! I've had a lot of decay; needed fillings, root canals, etc. It's so frustrating!!
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