The Impact of Celiac Disease on Oral Health

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, which causes sufferers to have an intolerance to gluten. When people with celiac disease consume gluten, their bodies don’t properly absorb the gluten, leading to damage to the small intestine. Most symptoms of celiac disease will be found in the gastrointestinal tract, but there are a few surprising ways that celiac disease can present in our oral health.

Celiac Disease & Oral Health

According to a study conducted by the European Journal of Internal Medicine, up to 85% of celiac disease sufferers have significant damage to the tooth enamel. This is because the same immune response that damages the small intestine also blocks the absorption of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a vital part of building strong bones and teeth. When the tooth enamel is damaged, the teeth become more susceptible to a number of dental problems, including dental cavities and tooth decay.

Consuming gluten can also cause the following oral health problems in those with gluten intolerance:

• Pitting appearance of the teeth
• Canker sores
• Tooth discoloration
• Excessive production of mucus
• Misshapen or abnormal teeth

Because many of these problems are irreversible, it is important for those with celiac disease to avoid gluten altogether. It’s also vital to practice good oral hygiene habits and visit Severance Dental every six months for a dental cleaning and an exam. Additionally, making sure to keep these regular appointments can sometimes allow us to spot gluten sensitivity even before your doctor.

If you or anyone in your family suffers from a gluten sensitivity or is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, please make an appointment to visit Dr. Josh Kelly here at Severance Dental. Our Severance, Colorado family dental office looks forward to your visit.