A survey on the Awareness and Attitudes of Gastroenterologists About the Connection between Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Oral Diseases

Sammanfattning

Aim: To evaluate the awareness and attitudes of gastroenterologists about the connection between inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and oral diseases. Material and method: Gastroenterologists in Sweden were invited to complete a self-administered survey consisting of 22 questions, divided into two parts. The first part collected general sociodemographic and job-related information, and the second part collected information on awareness of and practices regarding extraintestinal manifestations of IBD in general and with a special focus on oral manifestations. Results: Thirty-two of invited 166 gastroenterologists returned the survey, resulting in a 19.3% response rate. Thirty-one (96.9%) answered that the oral cavity may be affected by IBD. Seven (22.6%) usually ask IBD patients about their oral health when taking the medical history, 11 (35.5%) examine mouth and lips, 9 (29%) provide information about potential oral complications, 13 (41.9%) recommend a dental check-up regularly, 22 (71%) inform about special dental care allowance, and 20 (64.5%) have received previously a referral from a dentist due to suspected IBD. Twenty-nine (93.5%), 12 (38.7%), and 13 (41.9%) believe that aphthous stomatitis, periodontitis, and dental caries, respectively, are associated with IBD. No significant differences (p > 0.05) between participants’ demographic characteristics and clinical routines were found. Conclusion: Gastroenterologists are in general aware that the oral cavity may be affected in IBD patients, but only about 12 respective 13 out of 31 gastroenterologists assume an association between periodontitis respective dental caries, and IBD. Furthermore, the general awareness of oral health issues is not well represented in their clinical routines; this seems to be independent of the years since graduation or how much they work clinically.