Gum issues related to IBD?

[Mehita]

Does anyone know if red gums around the teeth has any correlation to Crohn's, Remicade or methotrexate? A side effect maybe?

DS' gums are very red. Like when he smiles you have to take a second look because it almost looks like blood, but it's not. He says they don't hurt or anything.

Just curious... I need to check in with my Celiac group too.

Thanks!

 

[xmdmom]

I don't know the answer to your question but am wondering if you are describing gingivitis? Google for an image.

 

[Mehita]

It is gingivitis. I'm wondering what may have prompted it all of a sudden, aside from him only brushing once a day versus twice since school let out. The only other change I can really think of is he added the methotrexate back in May. I'm guessing it's not related...?

 

[xmdmom]

Gingivitis is listed as a possible side effect of Methotrexate but I don't know how often it is seen in the lower doses that are used for Crohn's. What does the doctor say?

 

[Mehita]

I haven't called yet. In good motherly fashion, I sent DS several choice gum disease photos to try and gross him out. He asked that I give him two weeks to improve his dental hygiene before I call anyone.

I didn't know that about mtx. Thanks for the info!

 

[Maya142]

My daughter has had this issue and when I researched I did find that it was linked to AS, so I wouldn't be surprised if it was linked to Crohn's too.

In her case, she had good dental hygiene (brushed twice a day and flossed daily) so it wasn't that. Her dentist suggested she come in more frequently for cleaning because he was worried, but as it happened, it eventually just went away on its own.

In your son's case, I'd get him to brush twice a day, use mouth wash and floss -- I know, not easy with a teen! And then if it persists, I'd ask his GI and dentist.

 

[my little penguin]

Periodontal disease and RA
Patients with newly diagnosed RA have higher rates of severe periodontitis and more tooth loss despite normal oral hygiene compared to healthy individuals.
The severity of a patients periodontal disease can be correlated with the severity of their RA disease activity.
Specific bacteria that live in the mouth have been shown in animal models to increase the severity of joint disease.
Specific bacteria are present in both dental plaque of patients with RA, and in joint fluid.

https://chriskresser.com/does-the-gut-microbiome-play-a-role-in-autoimmune-disease/



So not a stretch for crohns

Good luck

 

[mish2575]

flossing can reverse the damage.

my husband recently had our whole family do a flossing challenge. We all flossed at least once a day for 2 weeks and the difference in our gum health was crazy. We all still floss regularly and this includes our two small children.

Good luck.

 

[Mehita]

flossing can reverse the damage.

my husband recently had our whole family do a flossing challenge. We all flossed at least once a day for 2 weeks and the difference in our gum health was crazy. We all still floss regularly and this includes our two small children.

Good luck.

That's awesome! I think I'd need to dangle a carrot in front of my boys for them to take on a challenge like that, but probably well worth it in the long run.

 

[malorymug]

I haven't called yet. In good motherly fashion, I sent DS several choice gum disease photos to try and gross him out. He asked that I give him two weeks to improve his dental hygiene before I call anyone.

I didn't know that about mtx. Thanks for the info!

I love your approach! And I like his cool head and determination to fix it. You must report back and tell us how it went

 

[Jenn]

Was just wondering about this, as my son's gums are taking longer than normal to stop being inflamed after getting his braces off. Dentist is watching it for now, but suggested maybe eventually cutting off excess. ugh.

 

[Lady Organic]

Dentists have always told me IBD people can have weaker gums with no surprise.
I use this flosser and it works fast and like a charm. It made me like flossing.:
http://www.gumbrand.com/gumr-professional-clean-flossers-90-ct-mint.html

My gums really improved since I do that everyday. I went from 3/10 to 8.5/10 for the health of my gums according to my dentist within 6 months, doing that along with brushing (properly) twice a day. My dentist is super impressed with my gums now since 2 years.
I do deep cleaning with her every 4 to 5 months too.

I still would not put aside the theory of possible side effect of remicade or methotrexate.

 

[CarolinAlaska]

Dentists have always told me IBD people can have weaker gums with no surprise.
I use this flosser and it works fast and like a charm. It made me like flossing.:
http://www.gumbrand.com/gumr-professional-clean-flossers-90-ct-mint.html

My gums really improved since I do that everyday. I went from 3/10 to 8.5/10 for the health of my gums according to my dentist within 6 months, doing that along with brushing (properly) twice a day. My dentist is super impressed with my gums now since 2 years.
I do deep cleaning with her every 4 to 5 months too.

I still would not put aside the theory of possible side effect of remicade or methotrexate.

I use flossers like this with special floss for sensitive and tight teeth. I love them too. Your testimony is encouraging me to floss more consistently, thanks!

 

[Lady Organic]

Great! Its also possible to re-use each flosser about 3-4 times to save some money. I used to throw a flosser away in the garbage everytime after I had flossed, but now I wash it fast like a tooth brush and re-use it. I even floss twice a day now, it has become an easy and fast habit I floss and I brush.
A few times a week I also use this :
http://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/picks/gum-soft-picks-40-ct-632rc.html
The dentist showed me how to use that.. It is excellent for the gums as well.

While being here, I can show you the tooth brush I use. It makes miracle.
http://www.gumbrand.com/toothbrushe.../technique-deep-clean-toothbrush-526ra-2.html
''Their extremely fine taper enables the “deep clean.” The very fine tapered bristle ends are narrower and more flexible than any other bristle design so they can reach deep into the crevices between gums and teeth''

I brush now very slow and reach under the gums for deep cleaning. Inside and outside every teeth. Only this toothbrush can do that! Its wonderful!

I see a lot of older people around me who have to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on teeths and gums issues. Im trying my best for my mouth to remain as healthy as possible. So far it works!

 

[Tubes]

About 6 months after I first got sick with crohns at age 12 I started having red gums and bleeding seemingly out of nowhere after always having good teeth and gums my dentist told me at the time it was because of my condition they put me on a high powered antibiotic and told me to floss as much as humanly possible it took along time to clear up and my gums are still overly sensitive to this very day.Wishing him luck and hopefully it gets cleared up quickly.

 

[Charlotte.]

I have had peridontitis and gingivitis and it can be linked to arthritis but also to Crohn's, my dentist said.
Professional tooth cleansing is the only thing that helps for me, even though I have an sonic vibration toothbrush at home, use inter dental brushes and floss daily, along with fluoride jelly, so nothing that I could improve though, regarding my home care.

 

[polly13]

My DD is on Methotrexate and her mouth is always sore from it, we manage with mouth wash and bonjella, however I understand that if it gets unmanageable docs can prescribe a steriod mouthwash.

 

[Mehita]

Well, y'all have convinced ME he needs to brush and floss more. Now how do I convince him?? At 16, I'm trying to not hover... but...

 

[Eridon2002]

I floss and use a waterpick. I'm not on Methotrexate but my gums have become so sensitive and inflamed since I've had Crohn's(even flossing and brushing 2x a day). A waterpick is only $50 and maybe a teen would be more inclined to use a gadget then the regular old flossing. Have him google effects of gingivitis, there are some ugly images. You only have 1 set of teeth that have to last decades.