Oral Crohn’s - scarring
I was just wondering if anyone knew of any surgeries available in the UK for scarring as a result of mouth ulcers due to Crohn’s? I used to get really bad flare ups in my mouth so much so that I now have a cobble stoning effect on my gums and I can’t open my mouth very wide. I can barely open my mouth wide enough to get a grape in! It’s making brushing my teeth impossible and affects my ability to talk sometimes as well. This is by far the worst side effect I have had considering all the surgeries/drains/abscesses, the amount of concentration it takes to eat, I actually dread going out for food because it’s not a social or enjoyable thing for me anymore. Any information would really help, I don’t know what to do, I’ve asked doctors and dentists and they just don’t understand how bad this is.
Hi tessy5790! I'm hopeful that other members in the community will respond to your question with their own experiences, but I wanted to send along a couple articles in the meantime:
https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/symptoms/mouth-sores-and-other-oral-symptoms/
https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/ibd-affect-gums-teeth/
You are definitely not alone in experiencing this and we are here to support you! -Graceann (IBD.net Team Member)
Hi!
I am so sorry you are experiencing this. I have had ulcers in my mouth from Crohn's but nothing on this level.
I know for me, the ulcers are caused from the inflammation in the gut. So, perhaps really focus on getting that inflammation down since it is systemic and affects your gums. Have you tried changing your diet to exclude grains, diary and sugar? Perhaps if you can get extra strict with focusing on lowering gut inflammation, your gums and mouth will follow and heal.
I hope this helps some. I can't imagine how painful it is. In the meantime, perhaps there is a mouthwash a dentist can prescribe that can provide relief? Also, I know there are Oral Anesthetics you can purchase at any drug store to give you immediate pain relief. I used it before for my mouth ulcer. It has Benzocaine in it and provides instant relief. Of course, it won't help heal though, it's just for pain relief.
I wish you the best.
Always dancing,
Elizabeth (team member)
