Going To Dentist In August

[hapy4dolphins]

HI, Our family is going to the dentist in August and I had read a few things on dentistry and celiac, but can't seem to find it again. Does anyone have any articles on this?

Nicole

[juliela]

  hapy4dolphins said:

HI, Our family is going to the dentist in August and I had read a few things on dentistry and celiac, but can't seem to find it again. Does anyone have any articles on this?

Nicole

Hi Nicole,

I'm a dental hygienist and celiac and unfortunately many in the dental community aren't very aware of celiac. If you're referring to symptoms of celiac that relate to dental care, the the dentist should be looking for apthous ulcers and/or a loss of enamel on teeth (due to the nutritional deficiencies when these teeth were forming). I know that when I get glutened I get the very painful ulcers the next day.

As far as dental products, there are many products in the office (and at home) that could potentially contain gluten. Everything from flouride to prophy paste to sealant materials to mouthwash and novicaine. I have a pretty complete list of gluten-free dental materials for the dental office that is up-to-date as of a couple weeks ago. You could print it out and bring it to your appt. so the hygienist or dentist can check which products they are using. It is on my website listed on my profile (can't list it here).

Good luck, I'd be interested to know how you made out!

Good Luck

Julie

[juliela]

Open Original Shared Link

  hapy4dolphins said:

Hi Nicole,

Here is also a short info sheet directed at dentists that you could bring with you also.

Julie

[hez]

Another idea is to call the office ahead of time. Get the number for the company that makes the cleaning stuff and call to verify status. I never can remember the stuff my dentist uses but it is free of gluten.

Hez

[lfij]

  hapy4dolphins said:

HI, Our family is going to the dentist in August and I had read a few things on dentistry and celiac, but can't seem to find it again. Does anyone have any articles on this?

Nicole

some dentists are actually familiar with celiac, you should look into finding one or one that is at least celiac friendly in your area because there's no way you'll be able to research every single thing you could come in contact with.

[oceangirl]

  lfij said:

some dentists are actually familiar with celiac, you should look into finding one or one that is at least celiac friendly in your area because there's no way you'll be able to research every single thing you could come in contact with.

Be sure to ask them to use untreated gloves. (some use powders with gluten) For tooth-polishing my dentist has me bring my own toothpaste. (Tom's of Maine)

lisa

[happygirl]

Open Original Shared Link

A good thread with some good links. Hope this helps.

[DingoGirl]

Julie - thanks for that helpful sheet.

You know, I went to a new dentist (my dentist in Monterey DIED ) in this town. I mentioned that I had Celiac, that there was lots of gum recession and erosion of enamel, etc. He looked blankly at me - said "please refesh me, what is Celiac?" and I explained it. He was very nice about it, but didn't seem to place any import on the condition of celiac disease w/ respect to dental patients.

He sent me to a very pricey endodontist (I need three root canals ) and I also told him that I have Celiac.....he was completely blank, asking, "what is that?" I gave my standard 30-second explanation. He looked at me and said, condescendingly, "this [my erosion/sensitivity/recession] has NOTHIGN to do with Celiac."

I was furious......and too shocked to comment at the time.

but I WISH I had said, well, excuse me, since you don't KNOW what Celiac is, how can you possibly KNOW what is IS and ISN"T causing?

I may write this arrogant young bazillionaire a letter....I was not pleased.

In my experience, and I"ve talked to several dentists in passing, they really don't know anything about it at all.....

I think I'll mail that handy sheet with a letter to both....though I doubt either will read it.

Harrumph.

[juliela]

Susan,

It's true, the dental comminuty is not that familiar w/ celiac. When I was sick, before diagnosis, I had very painful apthous ulcers in my mouth. As a hygienist I didn't know what they were and my boss the dentist did not know what they were. Now I know that they were another symptom of Celiac. Honestly, I was not taught about celiac disease in dental school in any classes- including "Special Needs Patients", "Nutrition" or when we learned about reasons for loss of enamel- celiac disease was not mentioned. Very frustrating. This year, I have suggested to 2 patients that they be tested for Celiac (haven't heard the results yet). I see around 130 patients a month- so if 1 in 133 has celiac...

I'm glad you are interested in informing the dentists- it could make it easier for the next patient.

Julie

[meg44]

  hapy4dolphins said:

HI, Our family is going to the dentist in August and I had read a few things on dentistry and celiac, but can't seem to find it again. Does anyone have any articles on this?

Nicole

See my post titled "need help" about 2/3 down I cover what happened to my son's teeth and ultimately his spine because of Celiac.

[hapy4dolphins]

HI Julie, Thanks for the link. I've copied that and will look for your profile too. Both my daughter and I need to have them when we go.

Nicole

[hapy4dolphins]

HI Juile,

Yes, I"d be very intersted in this. I looked at your profile but couldn't find the link you mentioned. Can you send it to me at hapy4dolphins@yahoo.com

Thanks.

Nicole

[hapy4dolphins]

HI Ocean Girl,

UCK, there's gluten in the powder??????? OH good GRIEF! I never thought of that. When I was younger, I'd always come out of the office after a clean thinking I was going to vomit at any second. Since college, I've had enamel problems and cavity problems, wasn't diagnosed though until about a year 1/2 ago.

Thanks everyone for all the good things. I"m adding links to my yahoo groups for kids and adults as well and copying it for my dentist.

Nicole