It is common knowledge that celiac disease causes digestive issues, but many people don’t think about the fact that digestion begins in the mouth. It can actually be one of the first places that you begin to show symptoms. Even if you strictly abide by a gluten-free diet, these issues can still hang around. Read on to learn more about how celiac disease affects oral health and what we can do about it.
How Does Celiac Disease Affect Oral Health?
Celiac disease causes an autoimmune response to the protein: gluten. This is found in wheat, barley, and rye. When ingested, gluten causes the immune system to attack the small intestines. Not only does this lead to significant discomfort – iit can cause lasting damage to the lining of the intestines. This prevents the absorption of several key nutrients from your food. Here are some ways that this can affect the mouth.
- Dental Development: If celiac disease becomes apparent while a child’s permanent teeth are still developing, it can cause them to not develop properly. The teeth could appear patchy, white, or discolored due to enamel hypoplasia. Another enamel defect that can occur is horizontal grooves on the permanent teeth.
- Aphthous Ulcers: When your immune system is damaging your intestines, it also affects other soft tissue areas of the body, like your mouth. It can cause the development of aphthous sores, also known as cankers. Even though it isn’t entirely known why this happens, the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association suggests that it could be caused by a deficiency of various vitamins and minerals that are unable to be absorbed.
- Cavities: People who have celiac disease tend to be more prone to cavities. If you have had the condition since childhood, it may be due to enamel defects. Another reason is that vitamin D deficiency, which commonly affects those with celiac disease, Vitamin D is necessary for health enamel because it allows your body to absorb calcium.
How Can Dental Issues Caused by Celic Disease Be Treated?
In most cases, symptoms will subside once the condition is addressed at the source. This is usually done through a gluten-free diet and sometimes nutritional therapy. For children, an early diagnosis is essential to get them on the right track. By going on a gluten-free diet right away, their risk of developmental issues in the permanent teeth and damage to the small intestine is reduced.
Regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist can go a long way in preventing oral-related problems connected to celiac disease. Other symptoms can be treated as they occur. For instance, saltwater mouth rinses can help to address canker sores.
If you or your child have been diagnosed with celiac disease, this is something your dentist should be made aware of. Oral health issues are just one of the many uncomfortable symptoms of celiac disease. By working with your doctor and dentist to manage the condition, you can continue to show off a strong, healthy smile!
About the Practice
At TimberRidge Dental, Dr. Tyler May and Dr. Mark Bowles work together to treat patients in the Heber City community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (435) 654-2020.