What should you know about oral Crohn's disease?

Mouth involvement may include swelling of the lips or gums, mouth ulcers, soreness, a cobblestone appearance inside the cheeks, or cracks at the corners of the mouth. These changes can make eating, brushing, or speaking uncomfortable. A mouth problem can have causes unrelated to Crohn's disease, so its appearance alone cannot establish the diagnosis.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory condition that can affect the digestive tract. Oral findings may appear with intestinal symptoms, before them, or during a flare. Abdominal pain and diarrhoea are useful details to report, along with weight change, fatigue, altered bowel habits, and any medicines or nutritional restrictions.

Arrange a GP Consultation or gastroenterology review for persistent ulcers, swelling, or pain, especially if you already have Crohn's disease. The clinician may examine your mouth, review bowel symptoms and medicines, and coordinate dental or specialist care. A Blood Test may help assess inflammation, anaemia, or nutritional problems, but results are interpreted with the examination rather than used alone.

Use a soft toothbrush, choose foods that do not irritate sore areas, and keep drinking fluids. Do not stop prescribed Crohn's treatment or apply new mouth medicines without checking how they fit with your care plan.

Seek urgent help if mouth swelling affects breathing or swallowing, bleeding will not stop, you cannot maintain fluids, or severe abdominal pain occurs with vomiting or marked weakness. Contact your care team promptly for rapidly worsening ulcers, fever, persistent diarrhoea, or signs that you are becoming dehydrated.

Ask whether the mouth changes could relate to Crohn's disease, infection, nutritional deficiency, or a medicine; whether dental review is needed; and which treatment is safe while the cause is being clarified.