The relationship between oral health and overall health is
symbiotic – what affects one entity has an impact on the other. In recent
years, the nature of the oral-systemic connection has become more and more pronounced
as studies show the link oral conditions such as periodontal disease and tooth
abscesses can have on the health of the rest of the body.
Additionally, these
studies have opened the door for better understanding of how certain health
conditions have oral health implications. In particular, celiac disease, or
gluten sensitivity has a range of oral symptoms. As a result, many health
professionals are now recognizing the benefit of inter-disciplinary diagnoses
as allowing patients to pursue effective care more rapidly.
The Oral Implications
of Celiac Disease
Popularly known as gluten sensitivity, celiac disease occurs
when a patient is intolerant to the gluten protein which is found in wheat,
rye, and barley. This can prevent the body from properly absorbing important
nutrients, including iron, calcium, folate, and fat-soluble vitamins. The
condition can lead to a number of other health implications, including gastric
reflux, ulcers, bloating, chronic constipation and diarrhea, cramping, as well
as anemia.
Patients with celiac disease may also experience oral
symptoms. In addition to causing canker sores, celiac disease also lead to
geographic tongue (where gluten-induced damage causes the tongue to look like a
topographical map), tonsil stones, redness at the back of the throat, excess
mucus production, bad breath, and cysts on the flap of skin connecting the top
lip to the gums. Most uniquely, celiac disease can also cause tooth enamel
defects, leading to an increased risk of cavities and decay.
Oral
Manifestations and Rapid Diagnosis
While this condition is one of the most common chronic GI
disorders worldwide, diagnosis can be difficult as the symptoms are often
confused as other conditions. As a result, identifying celiac disease is often
delayed, causing patients to go for extended periods of time without realizing
what is causing their discomfort or to be misdiagnosed, leading to mistreatment
and the potential exacerbation of the symptoms.
As dentists see patients at least twice a year, many are
able to notice the oral symptoms of a gluten sensitivity and recommend a visit
to their general physician for a confirmed diagnosis. This opens the door for
more rapid diagnosis, potentially leading to patients receiving the right care
before the symptoms of celiac disease wreak havoc on the patient’s overall
health.
Oral and Overall
Health
At the Sunnyvale dental practice of Dr. Ratna Indah, our
personalized dental treatments are created to reinforce each patient’s oral and
overall wellness. By monitoring your smile for signs and symptoms of
extenuating health conditions, our dentist is able to provide patients with
comprehensive solutions and lifelong oral health. For more information about
achieving long-term wellness through oral care, contact our Sunnyvale dentist
today.
