Gastrointestinal illnesses and their effects on the oral cavity

Many disease processes affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may cause observable changes to the oral cavity. In fact, oral cavity changes may represent the first clinical manifestation of an underlying GI condition. Recognition and appropriate referral of a possible GI condition contribute to overall health and wellness in patients. Some of the more important GI conditions that may manifest oral cavity involvement include: reflux disorders, inherited GI polyposis syndromes, and inflammatory bowel disease. This article briefly reviews the aforementioned topics.