How Celiac Disease Can Damage Your Oral Health

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes you to suffer intolerance to gluten. People with celiac disease are unable to properly absorb gluten. This means that if they consume foods containing gluten, they can cause damage to the small intestine. While most symptoms of celiac disease occur in the gastrointestinal tract, there are a few ways that celiac disease can damage your oral health as well.

Dental Health and Celiac Disease

In a study conducted by the European Journal of Internal Medicine, it was found that up to 85% of those with celiac disease have problems with their tooth enamel. This is due to the same immune response that damages the small intestine. This response blocks the body’s absorption of vitamin D, which is a vital part of building strong teeth. Once the enamel is damaged, your teeth are vulnerable to a number of dental problems like tooth decay and dental cavities.

If you suffer from celiac disease and still consume gluten, there are a few dental health problems that you may become vulnerable to. These include the following:

• Canker sores
• Tooth discoloration
• Misshapen teeth
• Excess mucus production
• Pitting of the surface of the teeth

Because a lot of the above dental problems aren’t reversible, it’s very important for celiac disease sufferers to avoid gluten. Both for their dental health and their overall health. It’s also important for those with celiac disease to practice good oral hygiene habits including brushing at least twice a day, flossing every day, and visiting Meadows Family Dental every six months for a dental cleaning and a checkup.

When you call to schedule your appointment, please let us know that you suffer from celiac disease so that we can make sure we’re keeping an eye out for celiac-related dental issues. For more information, please contact Meadows Family Dentistry here in Castle Rock, Colorado.