How Your Family Dentist Might Notice Signs Of Gluten Intolerance In You Or Your Children
Celiac disease (which is sometimes referred to as a gluten intolerance) can result in an extensive number of different symptoms—none of which are especially pleasant. The distension (expansion) of the abdomen, coupled with general bloating, excessive flatulence, and even frequent diarrhea are amongst the best-known symptoms. But celiac disease can also impact your dental health. In fact, if celiac disease has so far gone undiagnosed, it might be your family dentist who notices potential warning signs in you or your children
Adulthood or Childhood
Don't assume that a diagnosis in adulthood is impossible. The majority of cases are diagnosed when the person is in their 40s to their 60s but may be noticed during childhood. How can one of the first steps toward a positive diagnosis be a dental checkup?
Enamel
Celiac disease can lead to malformation of dental enamel, which is the strong, highly-mineralized surface of your teeth. Enamel encompasses the clinical crown of the tooth and is in fact the only visible part of the tooth's surface. The disease can lead to inadequate enamel formation, with protective enamel being thinner than expected—particularly in children. This can make the tooth more vulnerable to corrosion, cavities, sensitivity, and general decay.
Malformation
The thickness of the enamel is only one potential warning sign. Enamel malformation can result in teeth becoming easily discolored, and can even take on a speckled appearance. Unanticipated pits may develop in the biting surfaces of teeth, and these fissures may act as reservoirs for potentially corrosive oral bacteria.
Cavities
Your family dentistry clinic may be forced to repair many of the dental conditions associated with poor enamel formation in you or your children. These conditions are typically identified as an excess of cavities, regardless of diet and diligence with your oral hygiene. Tooth discoloration that can't be removed with teeth whitening may also be an issue. Your dentist may have had to correct these issues more than once, and when coupled with the gastrointestinal symptoms of celiac disease, you may want to make an appointment with your physician so that the relevant tests can be performed.
Corrective Work
Your dentist may suggest more comprehensive measures to protect your deficient enamel, offsetting the effects of your celiac disease. This can require tooth bonding, which is the use of tooth-colored composite resin to add a new protective layer to teeth (and it also conceals discoloration). Pit and fissure sealing can also be performed, and this is simply a transparent resin sealant applied to the biting surfaces of teeth. You'll also need to be conscientious about your family's dental checkups, as your teeth may need regular fluoride treatments to remineralize them (which helps to counteract enamel deficiencies).
Your family dentist can't diagnose celiac disease, but there are dental warning signs that could be noted—and must be treated.
Contact a local family dentistry office to learn more.
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