Did you know that your gut health can also affect your teeth and gums? Many people underestimate the close connection between the digestive system and oral health—yet there is growing evidence that inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can increase the risk of periodontitis.
Why is this? IBD is often associated with a weakened immune system, which promotes inflammation throughout the body—including the mouth. In addition, certain medications and dietary changes can make gums more sensitive.
The good news: With proper dental care, you can actively protect your gums. In this article, you'll learn why dental care is especially important for IBD and what measures can help you prevent periodontitis.
What are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)?
Inflammatory bowel diseases, or IBD for short, are serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by persistent or recurring inflammation in the digestive system . The two most common forms are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis , which often occur in phases and can significantly impact the lives of those affected.
While Crohn's disease can affect the entire digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon. Typical symptoms such as persistent diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain, weight loss, and severe fatigue can make everyday life difficult. But what many people don't realize is that IBD doesn't just affect the intestines – it can also severely impair oral health.
Why can intestinal disease also affect your oral health?
Although IBD primarily affects the digestive tract, there are several mechanisms that can also affect teeth and gums .
1. A weakened immune system
IBD is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system overreacts and triggers inflammatory processes throughout the body—including the mouth. This makes the gums more susceptible to infection, increasing the risk of periodontitis (gum disease) .
2. Changed eating habits
Many people with IBD must adjust their diet to prevent flare-ups. However, avoiding certain foods, malnutrition, or poor nutrient absorption in the gut can have a direct impact on oral health. A deficiency in vitamin D, iron, or folic acid can weaken gums and promote inflammation.
3. Dry mouth caused by medication
Medications used to treat IBD, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants , can reduce saliva production. However, saliva is essential for oral health because it neutralizes acids and flushes away bacteria. A dry mouth therefore promotes the development of cavities and gum problems.
In short: Anyone suffering from IBD should pay special attention to oral hygiene. With the right dental care routine—for example, gentle yet effective brushing with our emmi-dent ultrasonic toothbrush —you can optimally protect your teeth and gums and even prevent inflammation.
Periodontitis and IBD: What does science say?
Science is increasingly showing that people with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis not only struggle with inflammation in the digestive tract. Oral health is also significantly affected by the disease – in particular, the risk of periodontitis is significantly increased in IBD patients. But why is this so?
Inflammation in the intestine and mouth – a close connection
IBD is a systemic disease, meaning it affects not only the intestines but can promote inflammation throughout the body – including the gums. Scientists refer to this as the "gut-mouth axis principle," which states that inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract affect the immune system and weaken the entire organism. This makes it harder for the gums to defend themselves against bacteria, increasing the risk of gingivitis and ultimately periodontitis.
The immune system is weakened – bacteria have an easy time
A healthy body can keep bacteria in the mouth relatively well under control. However, when the immune system is already under severe strain due to chronic inflammation, harmful germs have an easy time . The body's defenses can no longer fight them effectively, allowing bacteria to multiply and penetrate deep into the gums. This often leads to inflamed gums, bleeding gums, and, in the worst cases, the deterioration of the periodontal ligament .
Nutrient deficiency as an additional risk factor
Many people with IBD suffer from a deficiency in essential nutrients . Vitamin D, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, play a key role in gum health. A deficiency in these micronutrients can make the gums more susceptible to inflammation, slow their recovery, and be less resistant to infection.
Particularly critical are:
- Vitamin D deficiency: Leads to a weakened immune system and can increase the risk of gum disease.
- Folic acid deficiency: Impairs cell regeneration in the gums, which makes wounds heal more slowly and inflammation persists for longer.
- Omega-3 deficiency: These fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect and help reduce gum inflammation.
Why is thorough oral hygiene particularly important in IBD?
If you suffer from a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, the inflammation not only affects your gastrointestinal tract—it can also significantly impact your oral health. Studies show that people with IBD have a significantly higher risk of gingivitis and periodontitis . This is because your immune system is weakened by the constant inflammation in your body, making your gums less resistant to harmful bacteria.
But that's not the only challenge: IBD can affect your oral health on several levels.
What problems can arise?
1. Higher risk of gingivitis
The chronic inflammation that causes IBD can also spread to your gums. Your gums become more sensitive, more prone to bleeding, and may recede more quickly—a typical sign of periodontitis.
2. Dry mouth due to medication
Many IBD patients take medications such as cortisone or immunosuppressants, which, as a side effect, reduce saliva flow. Saliva is essential for keeping bacteria in the mouth under control. A dry mouth means harmful bacteria can multiply more easily , which not only promotes tooth decay but also gum disease.
3. Increased bacterial growth due to a weakened immune system
Because your immune system is already under severe strain due to IBD, it is often no longer able to adequately defend itself against harmful germs in the mouth. This makes it easy for bacteria that cause periodontitis and gingivitis to take hold.
4. Sensitive gums that are more prone to irritation
IBD patients often report sensitive gums that react to hard toothbrushes or aggressive toothpastes with irritation and pain. When the gums are damaged, the risk of bacteria settling in the gum pockets and causing inflammation increases.
The right dental care routine for IBD
If you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), you should pay special attention to your dental care. Due to the increased tendency to inflammation in the body and possible side effects of medications, your gums are more sensitive and susceptible to infection. With a targeted and gentle care routine, you can protect your gums and minimize the risk of periodontitis.
1. Gentle but thorough cleaning with ultrasound
Many conventional toothbrushes clean mechanically, meaning the bristles rest on the teeth and gums, which—depending on the pressure—can irritate the already sensitive tissue. This can be particularly unpleasant for people with IBD, as the gums are often prone to inflammation.
The solution? A touch-free yet highly effective cleaning. Our emmi-dent ultrasonic toothbrush works with high-frequency ultrasonic waves that penetrate deep into the interdental spaces and gums to eliminate harmful bacteria and plaque – completely without mechanical abrasion. This means maximum cleaning without irritating the gums.
Advantages of ultrasonic cleaning:
- Gentle care , even for sensitive gums
- Deeply effective , removes bacteria even from hard-to-reach areas
- No brush abrasion , protects teeth and gums
2. Don't forget the interdental spaces
Plaque and food debris often accumulate unnoticed between the teeth—and this is precisely where gum inflammation often develops. Therefore, thorough interdental care is especially important for people with IBD.
But flossing can be painful or even cause minor injuries if your gums are irritated. A water flosser is an excellent alternative, as it gently and effectively rinses food debris and bacteria from between your teeth—without putting pressure on your gums.
Oral irrigators with individually adjustable water pressure are particularly recommended to adapt the cleaning to your personal preferences.
3. Regular dental visits – early detection is crucial
Even with the best dental care routine, there are still areas you can't clean optimally yourself. Therefore, you should schedule a professional dental cleaning (PTC) at least twice a year.
- Early detection of gum disease: Your dentist can detect early signs of periodontitis before it causes serious problems.
- Deep cleaning: During a professional cleaning, even stubborn deposits that can form despite good oral hygiene are removed.
- Individual advice: Your dentist can give you specific care tips tailored to your IBD.
4. The right diet for healthy gums
Our diet has a huge impact on the health of our gums. Certain nutrients promote gum regeneration and help reduce inflammation.
Recommended nutrients for healthy gums:
- Vitamin D: Strengthens the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties. Good sources: sunlight, fish, eggs.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Help regulate inflammation. Found in flaxseed oil, chia seeds, and fatty fish.
- Vitamin C: Important for collagen formation in the gums. Found in peppers, broccoli, and citrus fruits.
What you should avoid:
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Acidic foods such as lemonade or vinegar, as they attack tooth enamel.
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Foods rich in sugar , as they promote the formation of plaque and caries.
Intestinal health and oral health go hand in hand
If you suffer from IBD, you should take your dental care especially seriously. Healthy gums not only contribute to your well-being but can also positively influence your overall inflammation levels in your body.
- Gentle dental care with the emmi-dent ultrasonic toothbrush protects your sensitive gums.
- Regular visits to the dentist help to detect periodontitis early.
- A conscious diet supports both your intestinal and dental health.
Proper dental care is a crucial step to maintaining your oral health in the long term – especially if you have IBD.
