Celiac Disease and Oral Health

Celiac Disease and Oral Complications

Oral health is more important to maintain than some may realize especially as certain people are more at risk for oral diseases when dealing with complications such as diabetes, pregnancy, or old age.  Also, visiting Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman regularly is not only critical for individuals with these risk factors, but routine visits allows Periodontal Associates to discover other issues such as celiac disease.  October is Celiac Disease Awareness month, and Periodontal Associates would like to highlight important need to know information linking celiac disease and oral health.

 

 

Celiac disease is a digestive disease that affects the small intestines and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. However, consequences from celiac disease extend beyond the digestive tract resulting in weaknesses in teeth enamel.  For some patients, dentists are the first to alert them of any issues that may suggest celiac disease.  

Dental problems caused by celiac disease often include tooth discoloration and poor enamel formation.  Enamel can look pitted, banded, or translucent looking on teeth. The imperfections are also often symmetrical and seen more so on incisors and molars.  Due to these permanent changes, dentists can spot there is a problem.  

Even after the patients are aware of celiac disease, diet change and avoiding gluten cannot reverse the defects in dentition.  Most treatment for damage includes bonding, veneers, or other cosmetic solutions depending on the severity.

 

Not only does Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman take a close look at all their patients’ teeth, they also conduct oral examines to check for oral cancers and sometimes rare but present signs of celiac disease.  Other symptoms seen in the oral cavity include:

·         canker sores or ulcers that recur inside the mouth

·         a red, smooth, shiny tongue

·         dry mouth syndrome

·         squamous cell carcinoma—a type of pharynx and mouth cancer

With October being Celiac Disease Awareness month, we hope it is a reminder to call Periodontal Associates to schedule your next hygiene appointment.  At that time, we will provide high quality cleanings as well as oral exams from the doctor.  We want to help you maintain great oral health, but Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman want to provide protection and early detection of cancers or celiac disease.  For more information, please browse our website at www.periodontalhealth.com or call us at (303) 755-4500.  We are proud to say we serve Denver, CO and surrounding metropolises. We look forward to speaking with you soon and protecting your mouth and body.