Go with your gut

In the UK, 66 people are diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) every day. IBD refers to a group of disorders that inflame the colon and small intestine; ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the two most common in this category. The disease places a notable demand on healthcare resources, prompting the need for a greater awareness of its symptoms and how to manage it.

For dental practitioners, IBD’s association with oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontitis, must be taken into consideration. As a patient with IBD is more susceptible to developing an oral disease, and as a patient with an oral disease is more likely to develop IBD, practitioners must help break this link by promoting a consistent oral hygiene routine.