Medical and Pharmacology | Human diseases and medical and dental emergencies | Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease
Session overview
Description
Dentists treat patients who suffer from gastrointestinal diseases. It is important to have an understanding of, and stay aware of, the signs and symptoms of the oral manifestations of gastrointestinal diseases.

Learning objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• describe the anatomy, function and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract
• differentiate between the manifestations of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and coeliac disease
• list the common medications used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
• explain the impact that inflammatory bowel disease has on the provision of dental care

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should have:

• a basic knowledge of gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology
• experience of obtaining a medical and drug history from patients with gastrointestinal conditions

The oral cavity is the portal of entry to the gastrointestinal tract. The mouth can often be involved when patient's suffer from a gastrointestinal disease.

As a dentist, you may be the only healthcare professional a patient sees regularly, or even at all. As such, it is important to have an understanding of, and stay aware of, the signs and symptoms of the oral manifestations of gastrointestinal disease.

This session will include:

• the normal anatomy, function and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract
• information on Crohn's disease
• information on ulcerative colitis (UC)
• information on coeliac disease