Dental Care And Cosmetic Procedures For People Who Have Celiac Disease

Many people know that celiac disease causes abdominal problems such as abdominal bloating, constipation, diarrhea and pain. People who have celiac disease may be irritable and fatigued. However, celiac disease can also cause a lot of dental problems as well. Thankfully, cosmetic dentistry from places like Dentistry For the Entire Family can help. Here's what you need to know.

Celiac Disease Affects the Entire Body, Including Your Teeth & Mouth

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by gluten. An autoimmune disorder is when the body attacks itself. When someone who has celiac disease ingests a small amount of gluten, the body attacks the lining of the small intestine. This leaves the small intestine unable to digest food and absorb nutrients and minerals.

Since 90% of the body's digestion occurs in the small intestine this causes problems throughout the body, including with the teeth and mouth. Here are several dental and oral conditions that can be caused by the lack of nutrients and minerals due to celiac disease:

  • poor enamel
  • discolored teeth
  • badly shaped teeth
  • canker sores
  • dry mouth syndrome
  • atrophic glossitis

Your enamel may also be weakened from vomiting due to celiac disease. The sooner you completely eliminate gluten, the better your chances are of avoiding these types of dental conditions.

The Key to Prevention: Eliminating Gluten From Everything

Gluten is the trigger that begins the response of the autoimmune disorder. Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley and rye. But, it can be found in many other things too, including cosmetic and oral health care products. If you have celiac disease, you will need to read labels for everything, especially everything you put in your mouth or on your lips.

Necessary Precautions Regarding Dental Care

Complete elimination of gluten also means that you have to be careful in the dental office. Gluten may be found in toothpaste and mouthwash. The gloves your dental team uses may contain a white powder that has gluten. Dental cement may also contain gluten. Tell your dentist that you have celiac disease, and that you want him or her to use gluten-free products.

Cosmetic Procedures for Dental Problems Caused by Celiac Disease

Depending on the severity of your dental problems, you are probably interested in some form of dental treatment to cover up the condition of your teeth. Poor enamel, discolored teeth and badly shaped teeth can be treated with cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental veneers, bonding and crowns. Remember, however, to tell your dentist to only use gluten-free products and dental equipment.

The dentist will need to remove some of your enamel in order to prepare your teeth for these types of procedures. Since your enamel may already be damaged extensively, you may want to consider the least invasive treatment option possible.

Timing Your Cosmetic Procedure

As was stated earlier, it is important to avoid gluten altogether. But, on the off chance that you are exposed to gluten prior to a scheduled cosmetic dental procedure, it is advisable to reschedule until you are in remission. The last thing you or your dentist wants is for you to suffer from the affects of celiac disease while you are having your cosmetic dental procedure done.

Equally important, you will want to avoid gluten immediately after your procedure to allow your teeth and mouth to heal. Follow a strict gluten-free diet and only consume foods and drinks that you know are safe. That way, you won't have to worry about stomach acids affecting your recovery. Fortunately, most cosmetic dental procedures have relatively short recovery periods.

Celiac disease is harmful for your teeth and mouth. Fortunately, there are several types of cosmetic dental procedures that can help you achieve a pearly white smile. Just be sure to inform your dentist that you need to avoid gluten.  


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