The Impact of Celiac Disease on Your Child’s Oral Health

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause sufferers to have an intolerance to gluten. When sufferers of celiac disease consume foods that contain gluten, their bodies will not properly absorb the gluten, leading to damage of the small intestine. Most symptoms of celiac disease will be found in the gastrointestinal tract, but there are a few surprising ways that celiac disease can present in your child’s oral health.

Celiac Disease & Your Child’s Oral Health

According to a study conducted by the European Journal of Internal Medicine, around 85% of celiac disease sufferers have significant damage to their tooth enamel. This is likely because the same immune response that damages the small intestine blocks the absorption of Vitamin D, which is vital in building strong bones and teeth. When the tooth enamel is damaged, the teeth become vulnerable to a number of problems, including dental cavities and tooth decay.

Consuming gluten can also cause the following oral health problems in those with a gluten intolerance:

• Tooth discoloration
• Canker sores
• Excessive production of mucus
• Pitting of the teeth
• Misshapen or abnormal teeth

Because many of these problems are not reversible, it important for those with celiac disease to avoid gluten altogether. It’s also important to practice good at-home oral hygiene and visit the dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and a checkup. Making sure to bring your children to the dentist regularly can sometimes allow us to spot a gluten sensitivity even before your child’s doctor.

If your child suffers from a gluten sensitivity or is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, please make an appointment with one of our skilled pediatric dentists here at Firestone Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Our child’s dentist is located here in beautiful Firestone, Colorado.