IDDF2018-ABS-0024 Oral health status of ulcerative colitis patients: a comparative study

Abstract

Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex civilization disease and has a prevalence of up to 0.2% in the Asian countries. The disease preferentially manifests in the second and third decade of life. Oral soft tissue lesions can precede or occur concomitantly with the intestinal symptoms. It was reported that IBD patients have a higher prevalence of dental caries than healthy controls as a result of nutritional deficiencies and changes in salivary and microbiological conditions in the oral cavity. Prior studies showed a higher prevalence of aphthous ulcer and dental caries. There is only a little information about the oral health status of UC patient, as often they are dealt only by the general physician. The aim of this study was to assess dental caries and periodontal disease status in patients with ulcerative colitis – an inflammatory bowel disease. Methods After obtaining ethical clearance from the institutional review board of Lifeline hospital, a record based case-control study was conducted upon 20 UC patients and 20 healthy controls. Oral hygiene habits, Oral soft tissue changes, the decayed, missing and filled tooth surface (DMF – S) index, periodontal status (CPI) index and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were evaluated in each patient and in the controls. Results In patients with UC,28 oral lesions were found compared with 3 lesions in the control group. There was a significantly higher prevalence of dental caries in patients with UC (p=0.000) compared with controls with an OR for DMF-T of 2.71 (95% CI: 1.21–7.62). Conclusions Patients with UC had a higher prevalence of dental caries and oral lesions compared with a healthy control group. Altered dietary habits and malabsorption may probably be the main cause for this condition. Strict oral hygiene should be recommended, and the regular use of fluoride treatment for prevention of dental caries appears justified.