Key Points
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Cervical lymph node enlargement is most commonly caused by infection. Neoplasms (local or systemic) may also be responsible.
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Peptic ulceration (related to infection with Helicobacter pylori) is a contra-indication to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Care is also needed with steroid therapy which can lead to peptic ulcer bleeding.
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Anaemia may occur secondary to blood loss from a gastrointestinal cause.
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Vomiting after GA may occur in some gastric disorders leading to an inhalation pneumonitis. Gastric reflux may produce dental erosion.
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Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a symptom which should always be taken seriously.
Key Points
General medicine and surgery for dental practitioners:
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1
Cardiovascular system
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2
Respiratory system
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3
Gastrointestinal system
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4
Neurological disorders
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5
Liver disease
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6
The endocrine system
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7
Renal disorders
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8
Musculoskeletal system
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9
Haematology and patients with bleeding problems
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10
The paediatric patient
Abstract
Diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) system can be relevant to the dental surgeon for several reasons. The mouth may display signs of the disease itself, for example the cobblestone mucosa, facial or labial swelling of Crohn's disease, or the osteomata of Gardner's syndrome. These are well covered elsewhere and not discussed further here. The sequelae of GI disease, for example gastric reflux producing dental erosion, iron deficiency anaemia and treatment such as corticosteroid therapy may all have a bearing on management and choice of anaesthesia.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Professor J.V. Soames and Prof R. R. Welbury for providing some of the photographs used in this paper.
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Greenwood, M., Meechan, J. General medicine and surgery for dental practitioners Part 3: Gastrointestinal system. Br Dent J 194, 659–663 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4810265
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4810265
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