Periodontitis prevalence in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease - PPCC : a case–control study

Aim: The aim of this questionnaire-based, case-control study was to assess whether self-reported oral health and periodontitis in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) patients differ from that in matched controls without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: A survey including questions on general anamnestic information, IBD diagnosis, and oral health was distributed online. Self-perceived overall health of teeth and gums, severe periodontitis, and tooth loss were defined as outcome parameters. Results: Analyses were based on answers from 1108 IBD patients and 3429 controls. IBD patients reported significantly worse oral health and more periodontal problems compared to controls. Regression analyses corrected for relevant confounders showed for UC and CD patients significantly increased odds for fair or poor self-perceived overall health of teeth and gums (OR 2.147 and 2.736, respectively) and for severe periodontitis (OR 1.739 and 2.574, respectively) compared to controls; CD patients presented additionally 91% higher odds for having <20 remaining teeth. Conclusions: UC and CD patients have significantly increased odds for worse self-perceived oral health and severe periodontitis compared to controls, with CD patients being more severely affected and losing more teeth. It is strongly recommended that IBD patients are kept under close surveillance to prevent periodontitis development and/or mitigate its progression