The relationship between the immune system and oral manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease: a review

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic, relapsing inflammatory diseases characterized by exacerbations and remissions of the gastrointestinal tract, clinically manifested as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The etiology of IBDs is considered to be multi factorial, comprising environmental, immune, microbial and genetic factors. Clinical signs may include abdominal pain, frequent bloody diarrheas, mucorrhea, vomiting, fever, fatigue or weight loss. Changes in the oral cavity often precede intestinal symptoms. Inflammatory bowel disease leads to a significant deterioration of oral health, which indicates that cooperation between the dentist and the gastroenterologist is necessary when considering patients’ welfare. Patients with IBD have an altered immune response, but microorganisms of the oral cavity may also be responsible for its modification. This review paper discusses the correlation between the immune system and inflammatory bowel disease manifestations in the oral cavity.