Prioritizing Dental Health When You Have IBD

First dentist visit of the year—done! ✅🦷

As someone managing IBD, I know my dental health requires extra care. IBD doesn’t just affect the gut—it can lead to brittle teeth, gum disease, and other oral health complications. Because of this, I see my dentist four times a year for cleanings to prevent serious issues before they start.

That’s why I made the decision to invest in the most comprehensive dental insurance plan my company offers. It’s not the cheapest option, but prioritizing my health is always worth it. When living with a chronic illness, small proactive choices can prevent bigger health complications down the line.

Why Dental Health Matters for Those with IBD Many people don’t realize that IBD and dental health are closely linked. Malabsorption, medication side effects, and chronic inflammation can all contribute to:

• Brittle or weakened teeth due to poor calcium and vitamin D absorption.

• Increased risk of cavities from dry mouth, a common side effect of medications.

• Gum disease and bone loss, especially for those on long-term steroids or with ongoing inflammation.

• TMJ issues due to stress, clenching, or jaw misalignment. While TMJ isn’t directly linked to IBD, stress from managing a chronic illness can be a contributing factor. My TMJ also affects my gums, making dental care even more important.

For all these reasons, regular dental visits are a must for me.

The Cost of Dental Care and How to Manage It Dental treatments can be expensive, and unfortunately, not all insurance plans cover everything. Here are some average costs of common treatments in the U.S. (data is from Care Credit).

• Routine Cleaning: $50—$350 per visit

• Cavity Filling: $226–$976 per tooth

• Root Canal: $984 and above per tooth

• Gum Disease Treatment (Scaling & Root Planing): starts at $242 depending on severity

Please note that these figures are national averages, and actual costs can vary based on factors such as location, the specific dental practice, and the complexity of the procedure.

To make these costs more manageable, my dentist recommended Care Credit, a payment plan that offers 0% APR for 12 months (for establishments that accept it). This has been a game-changer for managing expenses without the stress of large upfront payments. If you’ve been putting off a visit due to cost concerns, I highly recommend looking into payment plans, FSAs/HSAs, and comparing insurance options to see what works best for you.

A Reminder to Prioritize Your Health Dental health is an essential part of overall well-being, and for those of us managing chronic illnesses like IBD, it’s even more important to stay on top of it. If you’ve been meaning to book that appointment, take this as your sign to do it—you deserve to take care of every part of your health.

A big thank you to my care team at Urban Dental San Diego headed by Dr. Jessica Kim for over a decade of support!

Resources:

Here are helpful references supporting the connection between IBD and dental health:

1. American Dental Association (ADA) - Chronic Conditions and Oral Health
   (Search for "IBD and oral health" in their resources)

2. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation - Oral Health and IBD

3. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) - Autoimmune Diseases and Oral Health
   (Search for IBD-related oral health issues)

4. Journal of Clinical Periodontology - IBD and Periodontal Disease Study
   (Search for studies on IBD and periodontal disease)

   
   #ibdawareness
   #dentalhealth
   #dearcolitis