Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. People with a family history of Crohn’s disease or a habit of smoking typically have an increased likelihood of developing the disease. A person with a consistent need for certain medicines like antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or birth control pills may also have increased susceptibility. A high-fat diet can also increase your risk of developing IBDs.
Dental Health and IBDs
Since your digestive tract starts with your mouth, Crohn’s disease can affect your lips, teeth, gums, and esophagus. It can also affect any dental work or appliances, including dentures, dental implants, or orthodontics. Many people with Crohn’s disease experience dry mouth or dehydration as a side effect of diarrhea. Dry mouth is caused by a lack of saliva, which also makes your teeth and gums more vulnerable to decay. Eventually, a person with Crohn’s disease may suffer periodontitis (gum disease), dental caries, or even tooth loss.
Depending on severity, a person might need dental work to support dental implants or dentures. Thankfully, the Yuba City Dentistry Group stands ready to meet that need. Using VELscope, x-ray cameras, and other equipment, your dentist examines your teeth and gums to verify their health status, considering any medical conditions you deal with – including Crohn’s disease. After a full examination, your Yuba City dentist comes up with a treatment plan and discusses every detail with you, adjusting procedures as necessary.
What About Implants with IBDs?
Today’s dental implants are designed to replace natural teeth in function as well as appearance. They can withstand many types of acidic foods, and even dry mouth conditions like you might experience with Crohn’s disease. Nevertheless, there are indications that patients with Crohn’s disease suffer a higher rate of dental implant rejection. That’s one of the many reasons that your Yuba City Dentist considers each situation individually. We not only discuss each step with you, but we also discuss the issue with your primary medical provider.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
If you suffer from Crohn’s disease or have a family medical history with the disease, your first step is to contact your medical practitioner. Then, contact your dentist at the Yuba City Dentistry Group. You can do so at your next semiannual checkup, over the phone, or using our online form. Let’s find out if you require adjustments to your daily oral hygiene routine, and make sure that your oral health stays strong despite any condition!
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