Dental Problems and Celiac Disease By Bruce Wilderman on January 31, 2017

For some patients, a trip to Artistic Expressions Dentistry, the cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice of Dr. Bruce Wilderman, results in more than an improvement to the state of their oral health and the appearance of their smiles. Sometimes, diseases that are tangentially related to the health of the mouth can be diagnosed through a dental appointment. Such is often the case with celiac disease, a chronic digestive disorder in which the body is unable to tolerate gluten.

Likewise, patients who have already been diagnosed with celiac disease often have unique dental needs that require the special skills of a dentist such as Dr. Wilderman. He is able to provide exceptional restorative dentistry treatments for such problems as enamel damage, grooving, pitting, dry mouth syndrome, and other common dental issues associated with celiac disease.

Numerous studies have demonstrated a definitive link between dental problems and celiac disease. Philadelphia, PA dentist Bruce Wilderman stays abreast of these studies and applies his knowledge to the treatment of patients with the disease, as well as the diagnosis of patients likely suffering from the disease.

What Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a chronic digestive disorder in which the body cannot tolerate gluten, a protein commonly found in wheat, oats, rye, and barley. When a person with celiac disease ingests gluten, the protein triggers an immune response that attacks the part of the small intestine responsible for absorbing vital nutrients into the body. As a result, these nutrients cannot be properly digested, resulting in malnutrition and other adverse symptoms.

Celiac disease affects millions of children and adults, many of whom have not yet been diagnosed with the disease. The disease often goes undiagnosed until people visit the dentist, whereupon dental defects commonly associated with the disease are identified.

What Dental Problems Are Associated with Celiac Disease?

The most common dental problem associated with celiac disease is enamel damage. This damage usually takes the form of discolored spots on the teeth, but may also take the form of grooving, pitting, or banding. Although all tooth enamel is translucent, the enamel of people with celiac disease may appear more akin to frosted windows.

Unfortunately, the enamel damage associated with celiac disease cannot be reversed. However, cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and dental bonding can be used to conceal the damage and give affected teeth a healthy white appearance.

Dry mouth syndrome is another common effect of celiac disease. Lifestyle changes may help to improve hydration, especially in conjunction with medical therapies and prescription toothpastes.

People with celiac disease will want to undergo routine oral exams as the disease has also been associated with an increased risk of oral cancer. Some studies also suggest an increased risk of cavities; however, this connection has never been definitively proven.