A growing number of people are being diagnosed with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the body's ability to process gluten. Research proves the link between gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, and oral health issues. These issues include tooth decay, dental enamel defects, and delayed dental development.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein that's literally found everywhere. Gluten is in wheat and other grains. Gluten acts as a glue in food preparation and it's used in many products including bread, soup, pasta, and salad dressing. Gluten is also found in beer, food colouring, and cereal. A study published by the European Journal of Internal Medicine shows 90% of those with celiac disease have tooth enamel issues. Further, scientists believe gluten-sensitive persons are more likely to have gum disease which may result in tooth loss.
Dentists are proactive about the gluten connection to oral health. They are trying to educate people and make sure children get early dental exams.
Why Is Enamel So Important?
Enamel is the tough outer shell of teeth that acts as a fortress. Enamel protects the teeth from wear and tear and cavities. Likewise, enamel allows one to eat and drink hot and cold substances without sensitivity. Persons with gluten sensitivity may develop spots or grooves on the teeth. Many adults have so much dental work it's hard to check whether they're affected. However, children can easily be checked.
Other side-effects make matters worse. Individuals who are glucose-intolerant are more likely to suffer from dry mouth and frequent canker sores. Dry mouth increases one's chances of getting a cavity. There's no saliva to wash away bacteria. Sufferers are urged to drink lots of water and use a humidifier. Canker sores are very painful and sufferers have to wait from them to go away.
Gluten-Sensitive Children and Oral Health
Celiac disease can really wreak havoc on a child's teeth. Gluten-sensitivity is blamed for dental delays like losing baby teeth slower than other children. Dentists also see a delayed eruption of permanent teeth and skeletal delay. Dentists have microscopically examined the baby teeth of those with celiac disease. The examinations show abnormal structural changes. The same researchers examined the content of the teeth. They were found to have an abnormal calcium/phosphorus ratio. This means the teeth are not as strong as those of other children.
Abnormal Food Reactions
Food sensitivity causes all kinds of problems throughout the body. 40 per cent of a person's nutrients come from food. Hence, a person with food sensitivities may have lots of health problems. Food affects the body's PH balance and the levels of good and bad bacteria. Research shows a person with an acidic body is more likely to have issues with tooth decay and tooth loss.
Moving Forward
Dental problems cannot be eliminated in gluten intolerant people. Nonetheless, existing problems can be corrected and regular exams can catch enamel issues quickly. The American Dental Association recommends that celiac patients eat a gluten-free diet. Further, individuals need to be monitored regularly by the dentist. The dentist checks for white, yellow or brown spots on teeth and enamel defects. Oral care products used by dentists are gluten-free. Gluten-sensitive people should make sure their toothpaste, mouth wash, and other oral hygiene products are gluten-free.
nd Dental Problems?A growing number of people are being diagnosed with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the body's ability to process gluten. Research proves the link between gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, and oral health issues. These issues include tooth decay, dental enamel defects, and delayed dental development.
What is Gluten?Gluten is a protein that's literally found everywhere. Gluten is in wheat and other grains. Gluten acts as a glue in food preparation and it's used in many products including bread, soup, pasta, and salad dressing. Gluten is also found in beer, food colouring, and cereal. A study published by the European Journal of Internal Medicine shows 90% of those with celiac disease have tooth enamel issues. Further, scientists believe gluten-sensitive persons are more likely to have gum disease which may result in tooth loss. Dentists are proactive about the gluten connection to oral health. They are trying to educate people and make sure children get early dental exams.
Why Is Enamel So Important?Enamel is the tough outer shell of teeth that acts as a fortress. Enamel protects the teeth from wear and tear and cavities. Likewise, enamel allows one to eat and drink hot and cold substances without sensitivity. Persons with gluten sensitivity may develop spots or grooves on the teeth. Many adults have so much dental work it's hard to check whether they're affected. However, children can easily be checked.
Other side-effects make matters worse. Individuals who are glucose-intolerant are more likely to suffer from dry mouth and frequent canker sores. Dry mouth increases one's chances of getting a cavity. There's no saliva to wash away bacteria. Sufferers are urged to drink lots of water and use a humidifier. Canker sores are very painful and sufferers have to wait from them to go away.
Gluten-Sensitive Children and Oral HealthCeliac disease can really wreak havoc on a child's teeth. Gluten-sensitivity is blamed for dental delays like losing baby teeth slower than other children. Dentists also see a delayed eruption of permanent teeth and skeletal delay. Dentists have microscopically examined the baby teeth of those with celiac disease. The examinations show abnormal structural changes. The same researchers examined the content of the teeth. They were found to have an abnormal calcium/phosphorus ratio. This means the teeth are not as strong as those of other children.
Abnormal Food ReactionsFood sensitivity causes all kinds of problems throughout the body. 40 per cent of a person's nutrients come from food. Hence, a person with food sensitivities may have lots of health problems. Food affects the body's PH balance and the levels of good and bad bacteria. Research shows a person with an acidic body is more likely to have issues with tooth decay and tooth loss.
Moving ForwardDental problems cannot be eliminated in gluten intolerant people. Nonetheless, existing problems can be corrected and regular exams can catch enamel issues quickly. The American Dental Association recommends that celiac patients eat a gluten-free diet. Further, individuals need to be monitored regularly by the dentist. The dentist checks for white, yellow or brown spots on teeth and enamel defects. Oral care products used by dentists are gluten-free. Gluten-sensitive people should make sure their toothpaste, mouth wash, and other oral hygiene products are gluten-free.
MBA(IIMC)| DCE|Adventure|Budding writer
