Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the way the body reacts to gluten found in wheat, rye, and barley. A person dealing with celiac disease cannot digest these proteins, which wreak havoc on the small intestine. But what about gluten’s effect on the rest of your body? We are constantly learning more about the impact of celiac disease on the teeth. If you suffer from gluten intolerance, make sure you choose a celiac disease dentist who is equipped to provide safe, effective dental care for your condition. The team at Capital Smiles takes a special approach in our care for celiac patients.
How Does Celiac Disease Affect Teeth?
Celiac disease can develop at any age, from early childhood to late in adulthood. When it occurs in children whose permanent teeth have not yet erupted, damage to the tooth enamel is likely to occur. It’s not clear exactly why celiac disease affects the tooth enamel of young children, but it may be due to a lack of calcium absorption caused by the condition.
In children under the age of seven, the presence of celiac disease frequently results in…
- Irregularly textured tooth enamel
- Delayed eruption of permanent teeth
- Affected enamel in the incisors and molars
- Broken enamel or spots on the surface of teeth
Initiating a gluten-free diet early on can prevent the onset of these and other symptoms related to celiac disease. Additionally, visiting a dentist who is aware of the effect celiac disease has on tooth enamel aids in early detection of the condition.
Celiac Dentists Avoid Antibiotics
Antibiotics affect the balance of bacteria in your gut, killing off good bacteria and making it more difficult for you to digest food. This imbalance has an especially significant effect on those who suffer from celiac disease. Overuse of antibiotics is common, but the team at Capital Smiles understands the need for special attention regarding the use of antibiotics for celiac patients. With a conservative approach to dentistry, root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, and periodontal treatment are all possible without the use of antibiotics.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Opening wide at the dentist can leave people dealing with celiac disease vulnerable. You can feel confident in the safety of your dental care by visiting a dentist who treats celiacs. Capital Smiles is aware of the special dental needs of those who have celiac disease — contact us to schedule your appointment today.