Dental Hygiene For People With Celiac Disease

There may seem to be no connection between oral hygiene and celiac disease, but people with this condition actually need to pay special attention to dental hygiene. This is because we are now aware that this condition affects oral health.

In fact, some people begin to show signs of oral decay before they even experience the typical signs of celiac disease. Thus, dentists must consider making a correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment as soon as possible. This is mainly about dietary restrictions.

In this regard, oral hygiene for people with this condition is part of the preventive treatment of side effects of gluten intolerance. A person needs to explore and find the right diet according to their specific needs. This is so that they can incorporate it and alleviate any future complications.

Every skilled adult must be responsible for the care of the teeth, gums and soft tissues, but those with celiac disease must be especially dedicated to it. As you will see in this article, the disorder can aggravate tooth enamel, gums and lips.

How does celiac disease affect dental health?

To assess the necessary oral hygiene in people with celiac disease, one must first know the effects of this condition in the mouth. These can begin at an early age and even lead to the development of bacteria. Therefore, it is important to detect any changes during child consultations.

The effect of celiac disease on tooth enamel

This is a relatively serious problem in people with celiac disease, and the damage is irreversible because it is difficult to solve. An early diagnosis usually prevents major complications.

Nutritional deficiencies are the main theory behind the cause of this problem. Celiac disease is an allergy, an inadequate response of the immune system and intestinal villi to gluten found in wheat, oats, barley and rye. In short, it is a reaction to a food protein.

As time goes on and the allergy worsens, the intestinal villi become flatter and lose the ability to absorb as they should. Thus , more nutrients are unable to enter the body, even if the person with this condition eats them. Thus, a chronic deficit may explain enamel decay.

At the same time, given that there is an exaggerated reaction of the immune system, it may be that cross-reactive antibodies attack the enamel and destroy it. Furthermore, this problem will alter the proper development of all the tissues that make up the dental element if it begins in childhood.

Poor tooth development

Children with celiac disease may experience poor development of their temporary and permanent teeth. This is partly due to what we explained above. The good news is that a proper diet can reduce the negative effect in this case.

Ok, but how do you detect it? The most obvious sign is the delay in tooth eruption and replacement of teeth. That is, a child’s development of teeth does not adhere to the set timeline for a given dental element that appears in the mouth.

Dry mouth and Sjögren’s syndrome

It is common for other conditions to manifest because they have the same basis for the reactivity of the immune system due to the autoimmune component of celiac disease. For example, some people with this condition also develop Sjögren’s syndrome.

This syndrome occurs when antibodies destroy body glands that are responsible for lubricating tissues. That is, they attack the tears and salivary glands, as well as those involved in sweating. This means dry mouth, as there is not enough saliva to keep the mouth moist.

You may not be aware of it, but the negative effects increase when there is no saliva. In fact, there is a greater incidence of harmful bacterial colonization leading to more aggressive, larger holes that manifest faster than usual.

Hole

In addition to Sjögren’s syndrome, cavities are more common in celiac disease. This is why oral hygiene is of great importance for people with celiac disease. This means that they must reduce their sugar intake in order to also reduce the presence of bacteria associated with fermentation.

As mentioned above, there are flaws in the enamel that promote holes. The enamel is a hard layer, but not strong enough to withstand environmental attacks when not formed properly.

At the same time, lack of nutrients due to poor intestinal absorption can worsen the balance in the oral environment and cause cavities. Deficiency of calcium and vitamin D is common in these people. Both of these substances are important for the development of bones and teeth.

Oral comfort

Nutritional deficiencies are also behind cold sores in celiac disease. Especially vitamin B12 and folate deficiency are the direct culprits. Not to mention that the oral mucosa is part of the same system that extends into the intestine. No wonder a reaction in the lower part of the digestive system also shows up in the upper part.

Cold sores are self-limiting mouth ulcers or ulcers. They usually last a week, and the healing process leaves no permanent marks. However, they are quite annoying and make chewing painful. This is why they often change the diet of people who are already under strict restrictions.

Why do people with celiac disease have dental problems?

As we mentioned above, celiac disease requires the absorption of nutrients. This is because the gluten allergy flattens the intestinal wills and they lose functionality.

This problem also does not differ too much when it comes to malabsorption. Thus, it reduces the intake of substances that are as varied as minerals and vitamins in the body. Similarly, digestive symptoms can affect calorie intake, leading to weight loss and a reduction in the body’s defenses.

Lack of calcium and vitamin D will directly affect the teeth. Both substances are important for the development of tooth structures and repair of hard tissue.

Anemia in people with celiac disease has often contributed to oral health, but indirectly. Thus, these individuals have less oxygen supply in the tissue, which includes the gums. Furthermore, less oxygen means less ability to repair and heal, and colds and traumas do not heal as they should.

The autoimmune part is another factor to consider in the relationship between an oral condition and celiac disease. At the same time, immune disease is frequent, as with Sjögren’s syndrome. As you can see, the presence of antibodies that attack one’s own tissue is counterproductive to body structures.

The enamel can only be the paradigmatic case to explain why celiac patients have dental problems from an early age. The first seven years of life constitute the critical period for the formation of this team. A child with celiac disease malnutrition and with antibodies that destroy what the body is trying to repair is likely to reach adulthood with poorly developed and decayed teeth.

Dental hygiene in people with celiac disease

These people need to address it with a professional. Thus, dentists must be aware of early diagnosis, but also exercise special caution in their offices.

Professional dental hygiene for people with celiac disease

As it turns out, the dentist’s office is not gluten free. That is, a person with celiac disease may be indirectly exposed to gluten without ingesting it during a visit to a dentist.

You may not know it, but some types of toothpaste and even certain plastic products contain gluten. Floss can also have this protein and cause adverse reactions in a person. Thus, the dentist must be aware of the actual ingredients in all the products they use.

General standards for the life of a person with gluten intolerance

Reducing gluten exposure will result in benefits for the entire digestive tract and the individual’s overall health. This is actually the main recommendation and the best therapeutic approach for this disease. Therefore, it is impossible to go against other forms of care if you do not take the right diet.

Given the increased risk of cavities, a nutritional plan must limit sugar, as these are the substrate for bacteria to produce the acid that damages the enamel. In addition, the calorie balance must prevent extreme weight loss.

When it comes to brushing and flossing, the recommendations are the same as for the general population. Meeting the minimum standards will reduce the risk of gaps. People also need to brush their teeth three times a day, especially after meals.

Finally, dental visits must take place once a year – more often if there are problems or if there is a recent diagnosis or specific comorbidities, such as Sjögren’s syndrome. A specialized control can detect problems that may be solved before they become major problems.

Prevention of evening ulcers as part of dental hygiene in celiac patients

Evening sores are common in people with celiac disease, so they need to supplement oral hygiene by paying special attention to wound-promoting foods. Usually these are spicy and sour products.

Those who cannot prevent them and have a recurring problem must resort to certain medications that can soothe the discomfort. Ideally, a dentist should prescribe them — even if they are non-prescription. Be sure to read the ingredient list as many of these contain gluten.

Dry mouth

A person with gluten intolerance who also has Sjögren’s syndrome must reduce the dryness of the mucous membranes. This is because it will prevent gaps and help them digest the foods that are most present in the nutritional plan.

Hydrating throughout the day and not getting thirsty is essential. A person may demand more depending on the dysfunction of the salivary glands. A dentist can also prescribe saliva replacement, and it has specific indications.

Similarly, some types of toothpaste and mouthwash are on the market specifically for treating dry mouth. They have ingredients against xerostomy in their composition and can counteract the most common negative effects.

Oral hygiene for people with celiac disease is a matter of general health

People with celiac disease cannot distinguish oral hygiene from their general health. Thus, a gluten-free diet, regular check-ups, adapted nutritional requirements, vitamin supplements and prevention of complications related to oral health.

Finally, ongoing professional advice is important, so it is of utmost importance to find a dentist you can trust. Choose one that can evaluate and record changes over time and prescribe the necessary products for any situation.