Show me your teeth and I’ll tell you if you have celiac disease. Symptoms of gluten intolerance can also manifest themselves in the mouth. The mouth can give us a lot of information about the rest of the body.
This is what happens, for example, with celiac disease.
People with some gluten intolerance may show signs of celiac disease in their teeth and gums, so visiting the dentist helps with the early detection of celiac disease, even before the first symptoms appear in the digestive system or in other parts of the body.
We explain how gluten intolerance can manifest itself in our mouth.
Celiac disease affects 1% of Europeans, according to the Federation of Celiac Associations of Spain (FACE) and is more common in women than in men.
However, 75% of people affected are undiagnosed.
This pathology causes the small intestine to be affected by foods containing gluten, a protein present mainly in wheat, barley and rye.
The most important consequence of this atrophy is the decrease in nutrient absorption, and its symptoms are usually reflected in the digestive system, but also in other parts of the body, such as the mouth.
How does celiac disease affect oral health?
Alterations in enamel.
Celiacs tend to absorb calcium worse and, as a result, the so-called enamel hypoplasia is very common in them, a disorder that changes the color of the teeth, creating brown or yellowish spots, and eliminating the shine of the enamel surface.
Approximately half of celiacs have these enamel defects, which are more common in children.
Recurrent mouth ulcers.
Gluten intolerant people often have mouth ulcers, probably as a result of poor absorption of iron, zinc and B vitamins.
There is still no scientific evidence that establishes a direct relationship between these ulcers and celiac disease, although it has been found that in one in three celiacs these disappear with a gluten-free diet.
Delay in the eruption of teeth.
Teeth may take longer to emerge and may even grow asymmetrically.
Dry mouth.
People who are intolerant to gluten usually have altered salivary glands and reduced saliva production, which causes dry mouth and, therefore, possible difficulties when speaking, chewing, swallowing, etc., as well as a greater likelihood of having bad breath.
Cavities.
Celiac patients have a high frequency of cavities due to enamel alterations and a lack of saliva, which plays a protective role in our mouths.
How to take care of my mouth if I am gluten intolerant As in any other case, the key to having a healthy mouth is to comply with daily oral hygiene: brushing twice a day for a minimum of two minutes and using floss or interproximal brushes at least once a day.
It is also necessary to avoid foods that contain gluten, it is important to reduce the consumption of acidic and sugary foods as they facilitate the wear of enamel and tooth decay.
Finally, it is essential to comply with regular visits to the dentist.
Also remember that there is a huge percentage of undiagnosed celiacs, so going to the dentist is a good way to detect the disease early and thus avoid developing more serious problems.