[Behçet's disease]

Behçet's disease is a multisystem inflammatory disorder, characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulceration and uveitis. Additionally, skin lesions, vasculitis, and arthritis may occur. The disease is chronic, with exacerbations and remissions. Treatment of Behcet's disease is symptomatic depending on the symptoms and their severity. Oral ulcers are seen in 98% of patients with Behçet's disease. Some aspects of oral health, such as the amount of plaque and the presence of periodontal disease, and possibly also caries, are more prevalent in patients with the disease when compared to healthy persons. All oral health aspects will probably benefit from good oral health care. Medications which can be employed for treatment of the various symptoms of the disease are colchicine, corticosteroids, immunosuppressives, cyclosporine, pentoxyfylline, anticoagulants, and thalidomide.