TITLE:
Oral Manifestations of Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Survey of IBD Patients in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department at IBN ROCHD University Hospital in Casablanca
AUTHORS:
Maya Nabli, Wafaa Badre, Jihane Fariri, Bouchra Badre
KEYWORDS:
Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Oral Manifestations, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Multidisciplinary Management
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.12 No.5,
May
9,
2025
ABSTRACT: Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), encompassing Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are characterized by persistent gastrointestinal inflammation influenced by genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. These conditions frequently affect young adults and are often associated with oral manifestations that significantly impact patients’ quality of life. This cross-sectional descriptive study investigates the prevalence and nature of oral manifestations in IBD patients treated at the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of IBN ROCHD University Hospital in Casablanca, emphasizing the importance of integrating oral health care into comprehensive IBD management. The study included 90 patients, of whom 52.2% were women and 54.4% were under 40 years old. CD was the predominant diagnosis (71%). A total of 73.3% of patients reported oral health issues since their IBD diagnosis, with inflammation (51.5%), ulcers (24.2%), and aphthous lesions (16.7%) being the most common complaints. Clinical examinations revealed poor oral hygiene in 62.2% of patients, and 64.6% reported dry mouth. Observed oral lesions included erythema (55.6%), hyperplasia (36.7%), candidiasis (32.2%), and ulcers (20%). Regarding treatments, 60% of patients were on immunosuppressants, 23.3% on salicylates, and 21.1% on corticosteroids. The findings align with prior epidemiological studies, confirming a slight female predominance and a high prevalence in young adults. Oral complications such as ulcers, aphthous lesions, periodontal issues, and dry mouth are common and necessitate vigilant monitoring. A multidisciplinary approach, including collaboration between gastroenterologists and dental professionals, is essential for optimal patient care. This study underscores the critical need for regular oral health assessments and preventive interventions to mitigate oral complications and improve the overall quality of life for patients with IBD.