J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2021 Sep 15. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003302.Online ahead of print.

Muhammad Ali Shazib ¹, Kevin M Byrd, Ajay Gulati

Author information

• ¹Division of Craniofacial and Surgical Care, University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA Division of Oral & Craniofacial Health Sciences, University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA ADA Science & Research Institute, Gaithersburg, MD, USA Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) represent a group of chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that lead to impaired quality of life and substantial health care costs. Up to 50% of pediatric IBD cases present with manifestations in the oral cavity. These may develop in nearly every oral tissue, including the soft tissues, tongue, lips, teeth, and lymph nodes. The goal of this review is to offer a systematic approach to diagnose and manage commonly encountered oral manifestations of pediatric IBD. This knowledge is critical for enhancing the comprehensive care and quality of life of children with these debilitating diseases.