Can Celiac Disease Hurt Your Oral Health?

The first time you hear that you might have Celiac disease could be from your dentist. The disease can cause noticeable damage to your teeth and gums. If your dentist suspects that you have Celiac disease, here is what you need to know.  

What Dental Impact Does Celiac Disease Have?

Celiac disease interferes with the way your body absorbs the minerals and vitamins that are needed for healthy teeth. As a result, you can experience a number of dental issues that can be directly traced to the disease.  

For instance, one of the main symptoms of Celiac is discoloration of the teeth. Your teeth can take on an off-white or yellowish appearance. Some people even have teeth that are varying shades of brown.  

You could also experience significant enamel damage. The enamel can have pits or appear translucent, which means your teeth are vulnerable to serious dental issues, including tooth decay and gum infection.  

In addition to these dental issues, you could develop dry mouth syndrome. Dry mouth syndrome could mean that you do not have enough saliva in to help wash away harmful bacteria. The longer the bacteria remains in your mouth, the likelier it is that you develop a dental infection or other issue.  

What Can You Do?

One of the most important steps you can take after your dentist says he or she believes you have Celiac disease is to get a diagnosis. If it is confirmed you have the disease, you need to focus on proper management of it. For instance, you will need to refrain from eating products with gluten.  

If the disease has already had an impact on your oral health, your dentist can develop a treatment plan for dealing with the issues. For instance, if you have discoloration or teeth enamel damage, porcelain veneers can be used to cover the damage after you have received sufficient treatment to stop the source.  

If you suffer from dry mouth syndrome, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate the problem. For instance, you can drink more water and decrease your intake of alcoholic beverages and sugary foods and drinks from your diet.  

Since Celiac disease is a chronic condition, you will need to work with your primary care doctor and dentist to protect your overall health and dental well-being. Your dentist can offer you additional tips, and you can go to sites about cosmetic dentistry for more information about protecting your teeth and gums and their appearance.