Did you know that Celiac Disease can manifest itself in your teeth? According to a dental website:
“Patients with Celiac Disease will often show a symmetrical pattern of developmental enamel defects.… About 80% of patients with CD have enamel defects as compared with the non Celiac population which has a frequency of about 4%. ”
According to the National Institutes of Health,
“Not all dental enamel defects are caused by celiac disease, although the problem is fairly common among people with the condition, particularly children, according to Alessio Fasano, M.D., medical director at the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research. And dental enamel defects might be the only presenting manifestations of celiac disease, Fasano said.
Dental enamel problems stemming from celiac disease involve permanent dentition and include tooth discoloration—white, yellow, or brown spots on the teeth—poor enamel formation, pitting or banding of teeth, and mottled or translucent-looking teeth. The imperfections are symmetrical and often appear on the incisors and molars.”
In the future, dentists might have a much more central role to play in the diagnosis of celiac disease, especially in children.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I told my dentist about this many years ago. He was unaware of the connection.
My Dentist was totally in the Dark….lol too bad he wasn’t well informed.
The dental issues are a real problem. I have lots of experience with
it. Many cavities all my life. I told my dentist about it as well.
I have constant and expensive dental problems in spite of good care and 3 month regular dental visits. My dentist has no idea why my teeth continue to deteriorate. I would be interested in more information about this. I have been GF for 10 years now but I continue to have dental problems.
This is my first time ever reading a blog and I love this,important info.Thank you carroll I love to recieve any email from other bloggers.
Another consideration for patients with celiac is whether the dental products or home care products have gluten. I speak on tooth whtiening, and know that a product from the dentist office for bleaching, Opalescence 10% PF (a carbamide peroxide from Ultradent Products Inc.) does not have Gluten. Also, a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, ProNamel (GlaxcoSmithKline) is gluten free. Make certain your dentist or hygienist is aware of the potential ingredients contraindicated for you that may be in materials inserted in the mouth for routine dental care and hygiene.
Wow, my dentists must of had no clue. Mine asked if I ate only suger or if I was Bulimic since my enamel was wearing away. I have very “translucent-looking teeth” and I also have weird white marks on the back teeth. I had 10 cavities last dentist visit…hmm, I feel there is alot of truth to this statement
- Jessika : Celiac Speaks – Symptoms, Recipes, Restaurants and Daily Life
Jessika,
He sounds completely clueless! Maybe it’s time for a new dentist…
yes..unbelievable!
I had cavaties all the time and figured out i have celiac 5 months ago..since then no new cavaties and my teeth feel much stronger thanks to a gluten free diet.
Am trying to find a dentist that seems to understand but they seem clueless.
Thanks for all the info. I was told 1 year ago and had many teeth problems as well as spine and all bones. My dentist is totally knowlegable of CD and helped me so very much that he was shocked at how much improvement in 8 months of taking care of teeth and bones. Thank God for everyone working together. My son and grandson just had biopsy today for CD. It is truly a scary thing.
bj
I have such problems with my teeth – virtually all but 7 are root canaled all because of the celiac disease my endodontist said.
Dental problems can be severe with Celiac. I have a patient with profound enamel hypoplasia. Dental bonding would not stick long term to her teeth. We were forced to restore her with crowns. See the case report we have posted to our site:
http://lakeforestdentalarts.com/file_column/news_file/uri/43/Fondriest_Cosmetic_rehabilitation_of_Dental_Manifestations_of_Celiac.pdf