Dental Health And Celiac

[ChrisRR]

Hey everyone,

I have been wondering, I know that a common symptom of gluten intolerance is bad teeth or declining dental health. Since I was a kid, my teeth have given me nothing but problems. I get cavities all the time, once I got 8 in the course of 7 months. And my gums get irritated very easilly, despite everything I do to keep them clean and healthy.

I follow a very strict diet apart from the gluten free, style, so it's not what I eat that is causing it. But my mother and brother have healthy teeth and they don't have gluten intolerance.

Have any of you experienced the same sort of problems with your gluten intolerance?

[guest134]

Where did you find that gluten intolerance causes dental issues? Celiac will, because of the absorption issues resulting in the lack of important nutrients that are crucial for dental health and because most diseases of the digestive track can show some signs in the mouth as well (all connected).

Gluten intolerance is similar to that of an allergy and as far as anything I have read can in no way cause dental issues. It just wouldn't make sense for it to.

[L.J.]

I recently went to the dentist for a regular check up. My Dental Hygienist asked about my diet--because my gums were not as healthy as 6 months ago. When I explained the gluten-free diet--she said that the protein that we tend to eat more of (i.e. meats) actually causes the "germs" in the deeper pockets of the gums to grow faster...the teeth themselves are affected by sugar--but the gums (and the yucky germs) thrive on the proteins that we tend to eat more of! Just a thought to the dental issue...

Her advice: Floss more because the meat gets in the pockets of the gums So I am trying to floss, floss, floss!!!

[Findin my way]

I'm dairy free as well as gluten free. Over the holidays I had cheese and cream. My gums became incredibly inflamed (among a myriad of other problems). It took several days to calm down. Maybe you're having a problem with casein as well?

[love2travel]

My teeth are living proof that celiac can indeed cause dental problems. My tooth enamel was very weak and my teeth were extremely sensitive. I didn't really think much about it until my diagnosis. After being gluten free, my dentist was shocked on my subsequent checkup. My enamel had strengthened a great deal. My teeth are no longer sensitive to hot and cold whatsoever. My dentist keeps himself up to date on celiac issues (smart man!) and has spoken to groups about it as well (including our own celiac group in town).

[designerstubble]

Wow, love 2 travel! Your teeth have strengthened?? That's awesome. How long did that take being gluten-free? I have had weak enamel these last few years (obviously didn't know why), and had lots of cavities etc... Be nice to know I could possibly regain some dental health back! Also have sensitive teeth!

Thanks for your story

[1desperateladysaved]

The enamel disappeared off my teeth when I was in High School. I have been lectured ever since about how to care for my teeth. I went home many times and did it all only to get the lectures all over the next time. THERE had to be something else I kept thinking. About 6 months ago I got the Celiac diagnosed. I finally went back to the dentist having stayed away for 3 years. The teeth were "good" under the circumstances with no cavities.

The teeth were covered with deposits, though. The hygentist told me that sometimes if a person has mal-absorption their saliva contains minerals. Then she said that my teeth had the deposits only where the saliva puddles.

I said, "Bingo" that is the missing link.

A dentist long ago told me that I had allergies big time. No explanation was given me, but the dentist called my MD. The next time I went to the MD she estimated that I had 5 % of my bone mass left. She gave no explanation for this determination and no way to detour it. I was 25.

Five years back one dentist told me that he hadn't had anyone with so many teeth problems that didn't have an autoimmune disease. OH, I didn't even know what an autoimmune disease was. I was working on my health as I felt like my teeth were being destructed from the inside to out.

My gums don't bleed every time I brush and floss anymore, so I think there is some improvement. Maybe one of these days I won't get the lectures.

Diana

[Adalaide]

I am looking forward to the day I don't bleed like a stuck pig every time I brush my teeth. It is truly scary how much I bleed to be honest. I have to wait about 5-10 minutes after and go rinse my mouth out again to get all the blood off my teeth, it just pools and stains my whole mouth red. This is after a year gluten free. I will go in for a checkup at the end of this month, I am hoping to have no new cavities, which will mark the first 6-month period in about 20 years that that has happened. Some of the tenderness and sensitivity is gone though, and that is good.

I am missing 4 teeth, 2 need implants because they can't be bridged, one has to be bridged and another I have to decide on a bridge or implant. Of the remaining teeth, a few have been root canals, most if not all have fillings. I had my first cavity at 14, my first abscess at 17. I also grew up taught almost as if it were a religion to brush my teeth. (I resented my brother because he always had perfectly healthy teeth but NEVER brushed them.) But even at the young age of 6 or 7 I couldn't eat a whole apple, I had to cut it. Some people called me a picky kid, but I would bleed all over, enough to get it on my hands. I have never, no matter what I did, had healthy teeth.

I think it could be helpful if the dental profession were educated on what celiac is and what signs to look for. I think there are a lot of clues to celiac in the dental health and that from a young age they may see what doctors are missing. They could recommend a patient for testing when people are falling through the cracks everywhere else. It could have saved me years. It is something I have talked to my dentist about. I hope he took to heart what I said.

[designerstubble]

Omg. These stories are freaking me out. I have had virtually all my teeth root canaled (the molars), I have one implant and other fillings. It started as a child. I never truly thought I have had celiac since I was a child... Now I'm beginning to wonder. I have always had weak teeth... And didn't understand why as I took care if them. Like they were going rotten from the inside out. Could I have been celiac as a child and not have any other symptoms???

My gums bleed too, but it's only started after taking iron and my iron levels going up. I figured its all the extra blood in my gums? Maybe it's the same for some of you?

[mushroom]

I do not have a tooth in my head that is not filled, all my molars are crowned, one tooth just crumbled so there is an implant there. I had gum surgery in my 30's (of course, that was after I quit smoking and my gums suddenly started bleeding all over the place ). Yes, you are not alone.

[love2travel]

Wow, love 2 travel! Your teeth have strengthened?? That's awesome. How long did that take being gluten-free? I have had weak enamel these last few years (obviously didn't know why), and had lots of cavities etc... Be nice to know I could possibly regain some dental health back! Also have sensitive teeth!

Thanks for your story

Yes - very obviously. I used to dread dental appointments as the scaling especially hurt so badly and my gums bled like crazy when it was done. In fact, I was so chicken that my husband booked my appointments without my knowledge and took me on those days. I had no clue when it would happen until we drove up to the dental office. He even had it arranged for me just to walk right in without having to wait in the waiting room. I was THAT chicken and I generally am not a chicken person (well, except to eat it). Now I go on my own volition without thinking twice. My last few appointments have been easy peasy. I'd rate the fear 1/10 whereas it used to be about 12/10!! Anyway, my teeth and gums are definitely stronger. It took about six months eating gluten free for the difference to be noticeable.

[designerstubble]

Yes - very obviously. I used to dread dental appointments as the scaling especially hurt so badly and my gums bled like crazy when it was done. In fact, I was so chicken that my husband booked my appointments without my knowledge and took me on those days. I had no clue when it would happen until we drove up to the dental office. He even had it arranged for me just to walk right in without having to wait in the waiting room. I was THAT chicken and I generally am not a chicken person (well, except to eat it). Now I go on my own volition without thinking twice. My last few appointments have been easy peasy. I'd rate the fear 1/10 whereas it used to be about 12/10!! Anyway, my teeth and gums are definitely stronger. It took about six months eating gluten free for the difference to be noticeable.

[designerstubble]

Oh that's fantastic, I'm so pleased for you. You must be very happy. Have you had any other celiac symptoms? I've also had big hairloss. I feel like Cinderella ugliest sister!

So does the enamel look 'thicker'? Have you healed easily with gi symptoms?

I've been looking at my teeth today! I've only been gluten-free for 3months... But my gums are pinker since the iron.

I'd love stronger enamel. I HATE the dentist. Petrified. And I react to the injections. Lovely!

Oooh. Nice strong teeth. There's a nice thought...

Well done to you!

[designerstubble]

I do not have a tooth in my head that is not filled, all my molars are crowned, one tooth just crumbled so there is an implant there. I had gum surgery in my 30's (of course, that was after I quit smoking and my gums suddenly started bleeding all over the place ). Yes, you are not alone.

[designerstubble]

I forgot that I've actually had 3 teeth removed too! Ha! So long ago. Because they crumbled. Hmmmmm. Interesting. I hope I haven't been celiac that long, though the more I read and research the more likely it's looking.

Sorry for being dense but what is gum surgery? (I quit smoking 3 months ago after dx and have receding gums.)

[mushroom]

Gum surgery (I don't think they do it so much any more??) is done for pyorrhea of the gums - they cut away the diseased tissue and new tissue grows back. They usually do one side at a time for obvious reasons. Yes, my gums were really receding also. You are a martyr for punishment, going gluten and smoke free at the same time

[designerstubble]

I know, an utter martyr! Gluten free, cigarette free, dairy free (snivel weep), caffeine free (slit wrists), processed and sugar free almost! ( waaaaaaaaa!)

My poor poor body doesn't know what's going on. And I used to be so rock n roll! Unfortunately I'm not alcohol free. Red wine... Not a lot.. But a bit! And I look worse than I did before? Go figure! :/

[designerstubble]

Ps. Are cigarettes gluten free????

[mushroom]

Ps. Are cigarettes gluten free????

I really don't know. They put so much junk in them that it wouldn't surprise me in the least if gluten were included, but I think not.

Well, I guess if you are going to give stuff up, you might as well make a clean sweep rather than prolonging the agony. It does seem a bit of a shock to the old bod though. Must have wondered what hit it!! Like being dropped down in the middle of darkest Africa and having to survive on your wits.

[love2travel]

Oh that's fantastic, I'm so pleased for you. You must be very happy. Have you had any other celiac symptoms? I've also had big hairloss. I feel like Cinderella ugliest sister!

So does the enamel look 'thicker'? Have you healed easily with gi symptoms?

I've been looking at my teeth today! I've only been gluten-free for 3months... But my gums are pinker since the iron.

I'd love stronger enamel. I HATE the dentist. Petrified. And I react to the injections. Lovely!

Oooh. Nice strong teeth. There's a nice thought...

Well done to you!

I was actually diagnosed with silent celiac. However, in retrospect, I can attribute some things to celiac such as miscarriages and weak fingernails. I'm losing more hair now than I used to but wonder if it is very premature/perimenopause because I have several other rather obvious symptoms of that (early menopause can be related to celiac, too, I understand). Thankfully I've never had GI symptoms but sometimes I sorta wish I had some indication of being glutened accidentally. But a very mild one.

In what way do you react to injections? Hopefully you will notice a difference in dental health soon. My stronger enamel is not visible to me but when the dentist uses that light thinger and shows me, it is then. It is rather nice having such great checkups! See how white and bright my teeth are?

[Opa3]

Where did you find that gluten intolerance causes dental issues? Celiac will, because of the absorption issues resulting in the lack of important nutrients that are crucial for dental health and because most diseases of the digestive track can show some signs in the mouth as well (all connected).

Gluten intolerance is similar to that of an allergy and as far as anything I have read can in no way cause dental issues. It just wouldn't make sense for it to.

I first read about this gluten/dental defects link in the Winter, 2012 edition of Allergic Living, pgs 56-58. I gave a copy to my dentist. He was shocked. He did some reading about this topic and replied 6 months later by thanking me for "enlighten me."

The article talks about dental enamel defects, canker sores, atrophic glossitis ( painful tongue that appears red and swollen), Cheilosis( cracks and scaling around the lips and corners of the mouth), oral lichen planus( inflammation of the mouth's mucous membranes with white or red patches or open sores).

Everything is blamed on gluten. In my case, the only thing from this list is defects(i.e: patches of brown on the teeth). I'm 67,been on a GFD for many years. My dentist has yet to give me an answer, accordingly.

Hope this helps.

[freeme808]

Wow, finding out more and more. Ive had 6 teeth removed(molars and wisdom), numerous root canals, and I have TMJD because I grind. But when I have a flare up, my gums get SOOO inflamed that they get infected. I have to go on prednisone to get rid of inflammation and antibiotics for infection(not to mention all the NSAIDS and other drugs for pain). Its SO taxing on my body to take these rounds of medications every so many months when I have a flareup.(I just got married in Oct. and had a flare up right before, during, and after. I've been sick ever since the rounds of meds. Which led me to more research, and celiac. Other family members also have symptoms. But Im the most messed up, so Im the only one that has pursued these issues.)

Im new here...trying to get my testing done so I can know what's going on. I PRAY that I have Celiac, because then I know all I have to do is change my diet to get better, heal, and move on with my life. Im only 24 and it's a welcome diagnosis for me baby! Sorry. I just can't take being treated like their isn't anything going on with me....I know all my problems are related: gluten. I just want some kind of answer so I can tell everyone who has ever doubted me.

[JennShad]

2 years ago I looked in the mirror and noticed all my teeth were discolored!! It FREAKED me out! The enamel had vanished, but only halfway....just from the gum to the middle of my tooth. This is on the top and bottom teeth, and then I noticed when I run my tongue along the edge of my 2 top or bottom teeth, I feel where the tooth has actually worn/deteriorated. During this time I was eating gluten but was so sure I was celiac....I was having terrible gastro problems at this time also....I was not digesting any feed it seemed...sorry to be gross, but the food pretty much came out as whole as it went in. I was guessing the damage to my teeth was from this prolonged period of gastro issues and not absorbing nutrients. I still have not been diagnosed, no insurance, but 6 years now I've had symptoms. I'm 40 btw and never had trouble with my teeth until my celiac symptoms started 4 years prior.

[Madagascar]

ohmygosh - this is so enlightening. I've had dental problems my whole life too. I was the kid who never had a check-up without having to have fillings. when i got braces at 15, i had to have 13 fillings all around my mouth. they weren't decayed, they were pits in the enamel and the orthodontist thought they would decay under the braces.

i also grind my teeth at night. pretty much all of my teeth also have fillings, crowns, i've had at least 2 root canals and the worst was when i had resorption. THAT was a nightmare. the gums grow into the roots, absorbing the root somehow and filling the space with gum tissue. the oral surgeon didn't get it numb because it was so inflamed. i was laying there crying thinking it was like going to a medieval dentist or something. Now i've lost that molar and the one next to it, and i'm in the process of getting implants.

and my teeth have darkened. my mom's teeth were so dark that she didn't like to smile and show her teeth anymore. i mentioned it to the celiac specialist and she said that's osteoporosis. my mom did have osteopenia.

my youngest daughter has had the worst teeth too, but at 20 she's now gluten-free and perhaps her teeth will harden up. she and i both had more than our share of canker sores, which are apparently related to celiac too.

i am really hopeful that the enamel will harden back up. i never thought it would reverse but that would thrill me!!

there is information out there about dental issues linked to celiac disease. Here are a few links that i found by googling "celiac+dental disease"

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link (the Canadian Dental Association published this one)

that was just from the first page on google . . . too bad most dentists don't seem to know about it. i think i'm going to send some of these links to my dentist.

[designerstubble]

I just wanted to update on teeth enamel... My first post on this thread I think was the 05 Jan. I would've been 10 weeks gluten free. Today I'm about 13 weeks.

Omg. My teeth are changing! 4 months ago my teeth had taken on a transparent look to them. They've always been white but they looked 'thin'.

This morning I looked into the mirror and I can say my teeth are starting to be opaque again. Not transparent. Slight yellow tinge! Hurrah!

I know this is n