Crohn’s Disease and Oral Health: What You Need to Know

Crohn’s disease can affect more than the digestive tract—it can have noticeable effects on oral health as well. Early detection of oral manifestations can lead to better overall disease management and help maintain a healthier mouth. At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we emphasize early recognition and collaborative care with gastroenterologists to protect both systemic and oral health.

Key Takeaways: 

• Oral manifestations of Crohn’s occur in about one-third of adults and up to 50% of children with the disease.
• Symptoms can include mucosal cobblestoning, deep linear ulcerations, and mucosal tags.
• Mild oral symptoms often heal on their own, while recurrent or severe cases may require topical or systemic therapy.
• Crohn’s can indirectly impact oral health through malnutrition, increasing risk for caries and periodontal disease.
• Dental professionals play a key role in monitoring oral signs and referring patients for specialized care.

Who Is Likely to Show Oral Symptoms?

Oral manifestations are relatively common in Crohn’s disease. Approximately one-third of adults with the condition show signs in the mouth, while children may display oral symptoms even more frequently, sometimes before gastrointestinal symptoms appear. Early recognition in pediatric patients can help accelerate diagnosis and treatment.

What Oral Symptoms Should You Look For?

Oral signs often mirror intestinal symptoms. Look for:

• Cobblestone appearance of the oral mucosa
• Deep, linear ulcerations
• Mucosal tags

Not all ulcers indicate Crohn’s, but persistent or unusual lesions—especially in children—should prompt further evaluation.

How Is Crohn’s Managed and How Does It Affect Oral Health?

Crohn’s is managed through medication, dietary adjustments, and sometimes surgery, as nearly three-fourths of patients may require surgical intervention over time. For mild oral lesions, routine dental care can continue with minimal interruption. Small sores often heal without intervention, while recurrent or larger ulcers may respond to topical steroids or systemic biologics in severe cases.

Crohn’s can also impact oral health indirectly. Nutrient malabsorption may increase the risk of caries, periodontal disease, and delayed healing. Avoiding tobacco is particularly important, as it can worsen disease flare-ups and interfere with prescribed medications.

Learn more about The Best Vitamins & Supplements for Oral Health. 

Protect Your Oral Health with Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Awareness of Crohn’s oral manifestations allows for early intervention and better outcomes. Regular dental monitoring, combined with collaboration between dentists, oral surgeons, and gastroenterologists, helps manage symptoms and protect overall oral health.

For more than 70 years, our practice has been serving Bergen County with patient-centered expert oral care. Our four convenient locations in Franklin Lakes, Hackensack, Ridgewood, and Westwood have received a combined 2,000+ Google reviews—and an average rating of 4.9 stars.

Personalized, gentle, comprehensive patient care is our number one priority.

Crohn’s Disease and Oral Health (FAQ)

How common are oral symptoms in Crohn’s disease?

About one-third of adults and up to 50% of children with Crohn’s show oral manifestations, sometimes before intestinal symptoms appear.

What do oral symptoms look like?

Look for cobblestoning of the mucosa, deep linear ulcers, and mucosal tags.

Do oral sores need treatment?

Mild sores often heal on their own. Recurrent or severe lesions may require topical steroids or systemic medication.

How does Crohn’s affect overall oral health?

Malnutrition from Crohn’s can increase risk for cavities, periodontal disease, and delayed healing. Tobacco use can worsen symptoms.