Older children and boys with IBD have more periodontal treatment needs, compared to controls: Study
Older children and boys with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have more periodontal treatment needs, compared to controls suggests a study published in the Special Care in Dentistry.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is thought to develop as a result of dysregulation οf the immune response to abnormal gut flora in a genetically susceptible host.In about 25% of the affected individuals, IBD occurs late in childhood and adolescence, peaking in the second and third decades of life.
Increased incidence of periodontal disease is described in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), implicating similarities in gut immunopathogenesis and periodontitis. Evaluation of periodontal status and treatment needs of children with IBD in remission, according to disease phenotype, sex, age, and oral hygiene status, and compare them to age-matched healthy population of a dental practice.
Fifty-five children with IBD (mean age 12.27 ± 3.67 years) and 55 matched healthy controls of a dental practice (mean age 12.21 ± 3.96 years) were assessed with the simplified gingival index (GI-S) and the plaque control record (PCR) index and the community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITNs). A dental questionnaire on therapy, oral hygiene, gum bleeding, and dental attendance was completed by participants.
Results: Children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in remission had higher gingival inflammation and periodontal treatment needs compared to controls. In patients with IBD, the CPITN was higher in older compared to younger children (59.37% vs. 47.83%) and in boys compared to girls (65% vs. 46.67%). Among controls, CPITN was also higher in older children (21.88% vs. 4.34%) and in boys (16% vs. 13.33%). Older children and boys with IBD have more periodontal treatment needs, compared to controls, despite similar oral hygiene.
Reference:
Zellos A, Koutsochristou V, Dimakou K, et al. Periodontal treatment needs in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease. Spec Care Dentist. 2025; 45:e13077. https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.13077
