Today Coeliac DayWe would like to take the opportunity to explore the relationship between coeliac disease and dental health. Although when we think of a disease like coeliac disease we tend to think only of its most 'visible' and well-known symptoms, those related to digestive problems such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or fatigue, as we have already discussed on many occasions, the body is a whole and this autoimmune disease can have a much broader impact on health.
What is coeliac disease and how does it affect the body?
The coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes an immullogical reaction that damages the small intestine when gluten (a protein found in cereals such as wheat, barley and rye) is ingested. This damage affects the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients, with consequences throughout the body.
Oral manifestations of coeliac disease
At Vélez y Lozano we have already discussed how certain systemic conditions can be reflected in the mouth, as we saw in our article on the relationship between dental health and obesity, and coeliac disease is no exception. In fact, in many cases, the first signs of the disease can be seen during a routine dental check-up.
Some of the most common oral manifestations of coeliac disease are:
- Dental enamel defectswhitish, yellowish or brownish stains or irregularities on the surface of the permanent teeth.
- Recurrent canker sores or mouth ulcers.
- Red, smooth, sore tongue (atrophic glossitis).
- Delayed tooth eruption in children.
- burning sensation in the mouth (or burning mouth syndrome).
These symptoms can appear even in people who do not have the digestive discomfort associated with the disease, so early detection in the dental office can sometimes be key to an early diagnosis of the disease.
How does coeliac disease affect long-term dental health?
Deficiencies of nutrients such as calcium, iron or B vitamins, resulting from intestinal malabsorption, can affect the formation and maintenance of teeth and gums. This can increase the risk of:
- Dental caries.
- Gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Enamel erosion.
In addition, in children, untreated coeliac disease can affect the proper development of the permanent dentition, compromising future oral health.
