Bleeding Gums, Sensitive Teeth

[SandyStPeteFL]

Just a question for anyone who has had issues with bleeding gums. I am middle aged and diagnosed November of 2008 with Celiac Disease (biopsy and blood work both). For the past year I have had issues with my gold crowns in the back of my mouth. I have five of them, three on one side and two on the other. Last year they started to bleed whenever I floss. And pretty heavily bleeding too, no "pink in the sink" stuff. I get my teeth cleaned every four months and the hygenist says she can see no reason why my gums are inflammed. She took x-rays yesterday and nothing showed up.

Then the dentist came in and said that since I have Celiac disease and it is an auto-immune disease, my body can not fight bacteria growth like a normal, healthy body can; and therefore, the bacteria that forms when food sits on your teeth (even for a short time period), turns to infection quickly. He knows I brush twice a day and floss every day but he says that doesn't do the trick. The anti-biotics they normally would inject down into the areas, I am allergic to. Now he wants to do another deep root planning to see if it helps clear up the irritation. I am now brushing three times a day (with a super soft toothbrush), flossing once a day and using a prescription (gluten free) rinse twice a day.

My question is this....how many of you fellow Celiacs have had this issue with your teeth and gums? And what did you do to help the condition stay away?

Thanks to any who have information on this subject.

[Gemini]

Just a question for anyone who has had issues with bleeding gums. I am middle aged and diagnosed November of 2008 with Celiac Disease (biopsy and blood work both). For the past year I have had issues with my gold crowns in the back of my mouth. I have five of them, three on one side and two on the other. Last year they started to bleed whenever I floss. And pretty heavily bleeding too, no "pink in the sink" stuff. I get my teeth cleaned every four months and the hygenist says she can see no reason why my gums are inflammed. She took x-rays yesterday and nothing showed up.

Then the dentist came in and said that since I have Celiac disease and it is an auto-immune disease, my body can not fight bacteria growth like a normal, healthy body can; and therefore, the bacteria that forms when food sits on your teeth (even for a short time period), turns to infection quickly. He knows I brush twice a day and floss every day but he says that doesn't do the trick. The anti-biotics they normally would inject down into the areas, I am allergic to. Now he wants to do another deep root planning to see if it helps clear up the irritation. I am now brushing three times a day (with a super soft toothbrush), flossing once a day and using a prescription (gluten free) rinse twice a day.

My question is this....how many of you fellow Celiacs have had this issue with your teeth and gums? And what did you do to help the condition stay away?

Thanks to any who have information on this subject.

Boy oh boy, am I an expert in this field!

I always had major gum problems, which was odd because I am an avid flosser and have dental cleanings 4 times per year. I was diagnosed with celiac disease after 20+ years of symptoms at the age of 46. I am now 50. I disagree with your dentist on his reasoning for the inflammation. If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, you should have no problem fighting bacteria, unless you are run down. I will ask you this......do you suffer from dry mouth and/or eyes? I also have Sjogren's Syndrome and this will cause dryness of the mouth to the point where the gum problems may linger. Saliva protects your mouth from bacteria as it contains enzymes whose job is to do this. I have less saliva than most "normal" non-celiac disease people and still have some problems with my gums, which requires constant monitoring

and the occasional procedure to keep things happy. I am not saying you have Sjogren's but it can wreak major havoc in your mouth and most people have as much trouble getting a diagnosis for that as they do celiac disease.

The other issue is the aging thing. I have learned the hard way that what my mother told me is so true......as you age, things change and problems may get worse just because you are older. I so hate that! I have had bone loss at the back of my mouth due to celiac disease and have 2 loose molars. I have been nursing these babies for about 12 years and taking painstaking care of them and have had no problems. All of a sudden, after my 50th birthday, boom! I start having pain and inflammation around the teeth. Well....it's time to begin the Big Dig and I am going to have to have them both pulled and implants done. I knew it was coming and my dentist is amazed at how well and long they lasted but I prefer to blame my age!

You are good for being so diligent with your dental care but I would investigate the possibility of your having Sjogren's with some blood work. I would also suggest gargling with warm salt water because it STILL is the best way to bring down inflammation and keep a hard-to-clean area clean. I have had the root planing and that isn't fun and it may not be necessary. I would also recommend using Biotene mouthwash at night, before bed. It contains the enzymes that protect your mouth from decay. It tastes good and keeps your mouth hydrated. It's OTC at most drugstores.

I wish you luck because you need your teeth so cannot back down on your care. But I don't buy into the idea that Celiacs are not like "healthy, normal people" and cannot fight inflammation. I worked very hard to get my health back and am now healthier and less sick than most people I know.

[SandyStPeteFL]

Boy oh boy, am I an expert in this field!

I always had major gum problems, which was odd because I am an avid flosser and have dental cleanings 4 times per year. I was diagnosed with celiac disease after 20+ years of symptoms at the age of 46. I am now 50. I disagree with your dentist on his reasoning for the inflammation. If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, you should have no problem fighting bacteria, unless you are run down. I will ask you this......do you suffer from dry mouth and/or eyes? I also have Sjogren's Syndrome and this will cause dryness of the mouth to the point where the gum problems may linger. Saliva protects your mouth from bacteria as it contains enzymes whose job is to do this. I have less saliva than most "normal" non-celiac disease people and still have some problems with my gums, which requires constant monitoring

and the occasional procedure to keep things happy. I am not saying you have Sjogren's but it can wreak major havoc in your mouth and most people have as much trouble getting a diagnosis for that as they do celiac disease.

The other issue is the aging thing. I have learned the hard way that what my mother told me is so true......as you age, things change and problems may get worse just because you are older. I so hate that! I have had bone loss at the back of my mouth due to celiac disease and have 2 loose molars. I have been nursing these babies for about 12 years and taking painstaking care of them and have had no problems. All of a sudden, after my 50th birthday, boom! I start having pain and inflammation around the teeth. Well....it's time to begin the Big Dig and I am going to have to have them both pulled and implants done. I knew it was coming and my dentist is amazed at how well and long they lasted but I prefer to blame my age!

You are good for being so diligent with your dental care but I would investigate the possibility of your having Sjogren's with some blood work. I would also suggest gargling with warm salt water because it STILL is the best way to bring down inflammation and keep a hard-to-clean area clean. I have had the root planing and that isn't fun and it may not be necessary. I would also recommend using Biotene mouthwash at night, before bed. It contains the enzymes that protect your mouth from decay. It tastes good and keeps your mouth hydrated. It's OTC at most drugstores.

I wish you luck because you need your teeth so cannot back down on your care. But I don't buy into the idea that Celiacs are not like "healthy, normal people" and cannot fight inflammation. I worked very hard to get my health back and am now healthier and less sick than most people I know.

[SandyStPeteFL]

Actually my doctor told me I may have the sjogrens syndrom as well. I am a mouth breather anyway with major sinus issues so that doesn't help.

I have my root planning scheduled for the 9th and the 16th of July. I had it done once about 6 years ago and hated it then. So I am not looking forward to it. I guess it can't hurt to at least get the gums and roots good and cleaned and baby them from there on out.

Oh, I am very strict with the gluten free diet. And very careful around gluten foods as well.

Thanks for the tip on the biotene. I have the biotene spray for dry mouth but I did not realize they also do an otc mouthwash. I will be getting that as well.

My body has been run down some even here lately. I have had blood work done every three months since my diagnosis in November to keep tabs on my readings. My vitamin D was just about nil 3 months ago and my doc put me on 50,000 units of Vitamin D once a week. Plus told me to go lay in the sun every day for at least 20 minutes a day. I go back the 29th of July for a recheck on that problem. I have also had my blood work done and my hemoglobin is at a 10...I have always been anemic.

Well, thanks for the input....my teeth and gums thank you as well. Oh and I am turning 60 this year so yes, I have that "aging" thing going on as well.

[ang1e0251]

My daughter uses a vaporizer at night for her mouth breathing. It really helps her sinus and throat health. My gums showed much improvement when I started rinsing my toothbrush with hydrogen pyroxide before I brush. I also follow a brushing with toothpaste with dipping my TB in straight baking soda. The salt is very good for gums.

[trents]

I don't have bleeding gums but do have problem with sensiitve teeth. Anymore I hate to get my teeth cleaned every six months at the dentist because they are so painfully sensitive to cold liquids for 2-3 weeks after cleaning.

[Gemini]

Actually my doctor told me I may have the sjogrens syndrom as well. I am a mouth breather anyway with major sinus issues so that doesn't help.

I have my root planning scheduled for the 9th and the 16th of July. I had it done once about 6 years ago and hated it then. So I am not looking forward to it. I guess it can't hurt to at least get the gums and roots good and cleaned and baby them from there on out.

Oh, I am very strict with the gluten free diet. And very careful around gluten foods as well.

Thanks for the tip on the biotene. I have the biotene spray for dry mouth but I did not realize they also do an otc mouthwash. I will be getting that as well.

My body has been run down some even here lately. I have had blood work done every three months since my diagnosis in November to keep tabs on my readings. My vitamin D was just about nil 3 months ago and my doc put me on 50,000 units of Vitamin D once a week. Plus told me to go lay in the sun every day for at least 20 minutes a day. I go back the 29th of July for a recheck on that problem. I have also had my blood work done and my hemoglobin is at a 10...I have always been anemic.

Well, thanks for the input....my teeth and gums thank you as well. Oh and I am turning 60 this year so yes, I have that "aging" thing going on as well.

OK........that 'splains a lot! I think having Sjogren's, more so than celiac disease, can really give you a run for the money on tooth and gum health. It's a real b--ch to work so hard and STILL have a problem.

I feel your pain in a big way!

I am concerned, however, about your anemia. Although it may take awhile for that to get better, it should come back somewhat. I was severely anemic for most of my adult life but now that I have been gluten-free for 4 years, that is gone. My blood work isn't in the optimum range yet on that but I am no longer anemic. That will contribute to gum and tooth issues also.

Good luck with the root planing and I hope things calm down for you. I go through periods of good and bad with my teeth. However, I am dreading the Big Dig as that is a longish construction project.

This is the worst part of having Celiac Disease.....getting older and fighting hard to keep your teeth intact.

[Di-gfree]

I can identify with what you all are saying. I've had gum problems for years, and it gets worse off and on (and I take really good care of my teeth). My gums have receded quite badly, and I'm only 46. I was just at the dentist yesterday, and had my cleaning, and my teeth are very sensitive today. Also I mentioned my burning mouth, sore gums to the dentist and she said it was from dryness. I feel like I have enough saliva, but maybe not; and the possibility of having Sjogren's has crossed my mind before. Those that have been diagnosed with this, what is the blood test you would ask the doctor for?

I should mention that the dentist said my gums were a lot better this time around. I started thyroid hormone replacement a year ago; plus I was vitamin D deficient (I'm getting that level up now), plus I'm anemic, of course, but I'm getting my ferritin and B12 levels up, too - so maybe all of that has something to do with my gums being better this time around.

[Gemini]

I can identify with what you all are saying. I've had gum problems for years, and it gets worse off and on (and I take really good care of my teeth). My gums have receded quite badly, and I'm only 46. I was just at the dentist yesterday, and had my cleaning, and my teeth are very sensitive today. Also I mentioned my burning mouth, sore gums to the dentist and she said it was from dryness. I feel like I have enough saliva, but maybe not; and the possibility of having Sjogren's has crossed my mind before. Those that have been diagnosed with this, what is the blood test you would ask the doctor for?

I should mention that the dentist said my gums were a lot better this time around. I started thyroid hormone replacement a year ago; plus I was vitamin D deficient (I'm getting that level up now), plus I'm anemic, of course, but I'm getting my ferritin and B12 levels up, too - so maybe all of that has something to do with my gums being better this time around.

The blood work for Sjogren's are called SS-A and SS-B antibody. Be aware that this is another test where a person may be serio-negative yet still have the disease. I would bet that most people with Celiac and problem gums/teeth have Sjogren's, even though your dentist or doctor may not agree.

Another clue is whether or not you can swallow a piece of bread (gluten-free, of course!) without any liquids?

This is very telling on whether or not you have enough saliva. I cannot eat any meal without liquids because I may choke to death. It's a barrel of fun!

I, too, have bad gum recession at 50 but it has stabilized better since going gluten-free. However, since your autoimmune system can be influenced by stress and other factors out of your control, the gum problems can worsen or get better on their own. I have had periods where I have done better than at other times. You could drive yourself crazy trying to figure it all out. All I know is I am going to have 2 implants done within the next year or so and for the first time in my life, I am worried about the whole thing being successful. I know I am no longer a spring chicken but the side effects of Celiac are far worse than the disease itself. I need my teeth...as a Celiac, I just eat too much salad to lose teeth now!

[Ahorsesoul]

Bleeding gums make me ask if you might need to up your Vitamin C. Also if it's only a problem around the gold crowns you could be allergic to something they used to harden the gold. It's not 100% gold used in crowns. Or maybe an allergy to what product they used to cement them in place.

I had a problem with my gum around a tooth with a lot of filling down near the gums. I finally had it replaced and my problem went away.

[Nancym]

Just an anecdotal story but my gums and tooth problems really cleared up on my Paleo diet I think because I rarely eat sugars or starches of any sort and they're what feed the bacteria in our mouths.

[Gemini]

Just an anecdotal story but my gums and tooth problems really cleared up on my Paleo diet I think because I rarely eat sugars or starches of any sort and they're what feed the bacteria in our mouths.

I am not a huge sugar or starch person either and it has not made a big difference in the problems.

I am sure it has helped things from getting too bad as I shudder to think what would happen if I ate a crappy diet to boot but there isn't going to be any miracle cure with this, unfortunately.

Having Sjogren's is one of the biggest contributors to dental problems and, like Celiac, many people never are diagnosed. I diagnosed myself and when I went to a new PCP, she asked if I would like the antibody test done. It was more for her benefit than mine. I told her she could do what she wanted as I didn't need validation on this one.....my symptoms were too severe. When the results came back, she smiled and said I was right on target.....again! My antibody levels were sky high. Funny enough, the rest of my family, who have similar symptoms, were told by their dopey doctors that they didn't have it, even though they failed their antibody tests. The doctors blamed the positive results on other autoimmune problems, which is mind-boggling. The thread on this site targeting the ineptitude of rheumatologists must be true because this was the specialty who told them they didn't have Sjogren's!

All you can do is treat the symptoms of Sjogren's and hope it doesn't get too bad. Going gluten-free helped, without a doubt, but the problems never go away. Dealing with Celiac is absolutely a breeze compared to walking around with an incredibly dry mouth and eyes all the time. It's important to recognize it and try for a diagnosis because it will ruin your teeth and gums if not properly treated.

[Di-gfree]

The blood work for Sjogren's are called SS-A and SS-B antibody. Be aware that this is another test where a person may be serio-negative yet still have the disease. I would bet that most people with Celiac and problem gums/teeth have Sjogren's, even though your dentist or doctor may not agree.

Another clue is whether or not you can swallow a piece of bread (gluten-free, of course!) without any liquids?

This is very telling on whether or not you have enough saliva. I cannot eat any meal without liquids because I may choke to death. It's a barrel of fun!

I, too, have bad gum recession at 50 but it has stabilized better since going gluten-free. However, since your autoimmune system can be influenced by stress and other factors out of your control, the gum problems can worsen or get better on their own. I have had periods where I have done better than at other times. You could drive yourself crazy trying to figure it all out. All I know is I am going to have 2 implants done within the next year or so and for the first time in my life, I am worried about the whole thing being successful. I know I am no longer a spring chicken but the side effects of Celiac are far worse than the disease itself. I need my teeth...as a Celiac, I just eat too much salad to lose teeth now!

Thank you for the names of the tests, Gemini. I sympathize with what you're going through. I've developed burning mouth a couple of years ago, and along with the gum problems, it's no fun at all! I'll ask my doctor for the tests. Oh, I should mention (if I didn't already), that I've noticed 'some' improvements (not total, though) with my gums since being on desiccated Thyroid for a year now, and since taking vitamin C everyday. And working on my ferritin and vitamin D deficiencies, and, and (more)...

Thanks again, Dianne

[Gemini]

Thank you for the names of the tests, Gemini. I sympathize with what you're going through. I've developed burning mouth a couple of years ago, and along with the gum problems, it's no fun at all! I'll ask my doctor for the tests. Oh, I should mention (if I didn't already), that I've noticed 'some' improvements (not total, though) with my gums since being on desiccated Thyroid for a year now, and since taking vitamin C everyday. And working on my ferritin and vitamin D deficiencies, and, and (more)...

Thanks again, Dianne

I also take thyroid hormone as I am hypothyroid. I take a good regimen of vitamins and minerals also so am set with that. I wonder what my teeth would be like if I didn't! Funny enough, my teeth look great....they are nice and straight. It's the gums that are not good...the support structure. I have bone loss in the jaw due to celiac disease but that seems to have stabilized since going gluten-free. I only have 2 teeth that are the major problem right now and those have to replaced. It's a long, tedious process but implants are the best way to go and the majority of people have good luck with them. I am just trying to figure out what I will eat once they pull the 2 teeth! I am a BIG salad person but that will be out for at least a month after.

Good luck with your testing. As a Celiac with low thyroid also, I would venture to guess you may also have Sjogren's...they seem to go hand in hand. There is also an alternative to the blood work. They used to exclusively do a biopsy on one of the salivary glands to figure it out but thank goodness there is an antibody test now. BUT, it's the same problem as celiac disease...not everyone will be serio-positive. Keep that in mind when you have the testing done.