When we think about celiac disease, the focus is usually on the gut—bloating, discomfort, or digestive symptoms. But did you know celiac disease can also wreak havoc on your dental health? Yep, it’s true! From enamel defects to mouth ulcers, untreated celiac disease can impact your teeth and gums in ways you might not expect.
As someone who’s experienced this firsthand—and has seen the impact on my own family—I know how important it is to understand the full picture of what celiac disease can do to your body. Let me share not only the facts but also a personal story that hits close to home.
My Mum’s Story: The Impact of Undiagnosed Celiac Disease
Growing up, I was obsessed with wanting to get braces. My teeth were crooked, and I got teased—a lot. I worked so hard to keep my teeth clean because my dentist told me that would be part of the process before getting braces. But deep down, I had another reason I was so focused on my teeth—I was terrified they’d end up like my mum’s.
My mum had dreadful teeth when I was growing up. They were broken, stained, cracked, and some were even missing. I remember being so paranoid that my teeth would turn out the same way.
Years later, her teeth became so bad that they were beyond repair, and she had to have them all pulled out. She now has dentures. But here’s the thing: no one else in her family had bad teeth. They all ate the same diet, yet her teeth were in a league of their own.
It wasn’t until she was diagnosed with celiac disease—the same year as me—that we pieced it all together. Her lifelong dental issues were a result of undiagnosed celiac disease. When your body can’t absorb the nutrients it needs, it affects your teeth in profound ways.
How Celiac Disease Affects Your Teeth
Celiac disease isn’t just a gut issue—it’s a whole-body condition. When your small intestine is damaged and unable to absorb essential nutrients, it can lead to several dental and oral health problems:
Dental Enamel Defects
These defects are incredibly common in people with untreated celiac disease. You might notice discoloration (yellow, or even brown spots), pitting, or grooves in your teeth. Once the damage is done, it’s permanent, but it can be prevented from getting worse by managing your celiac disease.
Delayed Tooth Eruption in Children
Kids with untreated celiac disease may experience delayed eruption of baby or adult teeth. This delay is linked to malnutrition, which slows overall growth and development.
Recurring Mouth Ulcers
Painful mouth ulcers (canker sores) were one of my biggest struggles before I was diagnosed. They’d come out of nowhere and make eating, talking, and brushing my teeth painful. If you’re getting frequent ulcers, it’s worth checking for celiac disease.
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth doesn’t just feel uncomfortable—it also increases your risk of cavities and gum disease. This can be caused by nutrient deficiencies, like low iron or vitamin B12, both of which are common in untreated celiac disease.
Gingivitis and Gum Disease
Chronic inflammation from untreated celiac disease can lead to red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If your gums are causing you trouble, it’s worth discussing celiac disease with your doctor.
Tooth Sensitivity
People with untreated celiac disease may have thinner enamel or even enamel loss, which can make teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Teeth
If you already have a celiac disease diagnosis, here are a few key steps to protect your teeth:
Stick to a Strict Gluten Free Diet
This is non-negotiable. A gluten free diet allows your gut to heal and improves nutrient absorption, reducing the risk of dental issues.
Focus on Nutrition
Make sure you’re getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients. If you’re not sure, talk to your doctor about supplements or testing for deficiencies.
Regular Dental Checkups
I visit my dentist every six months, and it’s made a huge difference. Let your dentist know about your celiac disease so they can monitor for specific issues like enamel defects and to ensure anything they use in your mouth is gluten free.
Prioritize Oral Hygiene
Brush twice a day and floss daily. A consistent routine is key!
Watch for Signs in Kids
If you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease, it’s important to monitor your children’s dental health too. Delayed tooth eruption, mouth ulcers, or other unexplained dental issues could be signs they need testing for celiac disease.
A Final Note: Why This Matters
My mum’s story is a powerful reminder of how much untreated celiac disease can affect every part of your body—even your smile. When she was growing up, there wasn’t much awareness about celiac disease. Today, we know better, and we can do better.
Your teeth are a reflection of your overall health, and by managing your celiac disease, you’re protecting far more than just your gut. Whether it’s for you, your kids, or someone you know, spreading awareness about the link between celiac disease and dental health can make all the difference.
If this resonates with you, share it with someone who might need to hear it. Let’s help more people connect the dots and get the care they deserve.
