November 30, 2023
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Some people with Crohn’s disease develop canker sores on their lips or in their mouth, often due to medications, nutritional deficiencies, or other factors. These sores can be annoying and painful but usually resolve quickly.
When you live with Crohn’s disease, your digestive system can take center stage. There’s so much to manage there that you might not even realize right away that this condition can affect other parts of your body too.
But then comes a stinging on the inside of your cheek or a discovery with your tongue: a mouth sore, casually appearing like an unwanted guest while you’re busy dealing with other things. Ugh, you too?
If you’re experiencing mouth sores as a symptom of Crohn’s, you’re not alone. Mouth sores can affect people at any stage of Crohn’s disease, and they more commonly happen during active flare-ups.
But there’s a small silver lining: There are a variety of ways you can treat mouth sores or at least ease the discomfort.
Crohn’s mouth sores can take various forms, and they may look different from other types of mouth sores.
Typically, they are shallow, painful ulcers with a yellow or gray center and a reddish border. If you’ve ever had canker sores (also known as aphthous ulcers), they’ll look pretty familiar.
These Crohn’s mouth sores are round or oval-shaped and can vary in size. You might have small, pinpoint lesions or larger, more extensive ulcers. Sometimes you’ll find just one, while at other times several mouth sores will appear in a group.
You may experience cobblestoning: the appearance of a group of raised, swollen bumps that line your cheeks and the space behind your lips.
Crohn’s mouth sores can commonly occur on the inside of your lips and cheeks, on your tongue, and on the roof of your mouth. They often get worse during a Crohn’s flare-up.
Crohn’s mouth sores are not contagious, unlike other types of sores you might develop around your mouth.
Up to 9% of adults with Crohn’s (and 50–80% of children with Crohn’s) develop mouth ulcers at some point.
Research into the exact cause of Crohn’s mouth sores is ongoing. But several factors are believed to contribute to their development, including:
There may not be a magic cure, but treatment and management of Crohn’s mouth sores can help relieve pain, promote healing, and reduce inflammation.
Talk with your doctor about the best approach. Treating your discomfort may involve a combination of medical interventions and at-home remedies.
The duration of mouth sores can vary widely, but they often go away within 2 weeks. Severe sores may take longer to heal.
Yes, Crohn’s disease can cause other symptoms in your mouth beyond mouth sores. These may include:
While these symptoms can be associated with Crohn’s disease, they can also indicate other oral health issues. Therefore, if you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Yes, it’s advisable to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if the sores are severe, recurrent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Crohn’s mouth sores are just one of the possible extraintestinal manifestations of the condition. But you can effectively manage Crohn’s mouth sores with a combination of medical treatments and at-home remedies. Talk with your doctor about a treatment plan that works for you.
Medically reviewed on November 30, 2023
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