Living with celiac disease can take a toll not only on your gut but also on your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Although it might seem as if your mouth is the last thing you need to worry about, the truth is that the contents found in bread and other harmful starches can wreak havoc on your smile, too. Keep reading to discover the negative effects and how your dentist can help you make the right changes.
How Does Celiac Cause Oral Health Problems?
As an autoimmune disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract, it is believed that one out of every 100 people throughout the world suffers from celiac disease. The ingestion of gluten, which is commonly found in wheat, causes a significant immune response that affects the small intestine. So, how exactly does it cause problems with a person’s oral health?
Although it may be a gut issue primarily, the reality is that the American Dental Association (ADA) claims:
- Tooth enamel can be affected by celiac disease. When our body is unable to absorb essential nutrients, because of celiac disease, it can cause problems with primary and permanent teeth, causing the enamel to look white or discolored (yellow or brown).
- Canker sores can form because of celiac disease. These are often the cause of nutritional deficiencies, as well as various health-related problems, such as gluten intolerance.
- Dry mouth can develop if celiac disease exists. Celiac disease is known to reduce saliva production because of the triggered immune response. When dry mouth, it can increase the risk of a person developing cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay because there is nothing to help flush out bad bacteria.
How Can Your Dentist Treat These Issues?
While your dentist may be unable to treat celiac disease, they can help address the oral health issues that form because of the problem occurring throughout your body. There are a few ways this can be accomplished, such as:
- Teeth Whitening: If you have discolored teeth because of celiac disease, your dentist can administer coming directly teeth whitening treatment to eliminate the stains located on the surfaces as well as beneath the enamel.
- Tooth-Colored Fillings: Cavities that form as a result of dry mouth caused by celiac disease can be addressed with tooth-colored fillings. Your dentist will use composite resin and apply it to the treated tooth structure so that future infection does not occur.
- Gum Disease Treatment: Since celiac is an autoimmune issue, it is harder for your body to fight off infection, which means there is likely to be an increased risk for gum disease. If this is the case, your dentist can suggest appropriate treatment like scaling and root planing.
No matter what kind of solution your dentist recommends, it is always best to maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings, especially if you have celiac disease. This will ensure your dental team gets ahead of the problem before it has a chance to spread and cause further oral health issues.
About the Author
Dr. Shelley Shults is quadruple board-certified as a general dentist, registered nurse, family nurse practitioner, and dental sleep medicine provider. At Powell Dental Group, she is able to adapt her care based on the unique health needs of each patient. She can give you one less thing to worry about if you have celiac disease, so schedule an appointment today by contacting us at (614) 436-4433 or visit our website.