Some problems affecting the mouth appear to be a consequence of gluten intolerance. Let us look at what they are and why the dentist plays a key role in prevention.
In its most acute form, gluten intolerance causes a disease known as coeliac disease, which leads to atrophy of the intestinal villi and is characterised by chronic diarrhoea and stunted growth. However, the systemic inflammation caused by gluten intolerance does not always produce the typical symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders; sometimes it can also show itself through other signs involving the oral mucosa and tooth enamel.
One sign not to be underestimated is the appearance of aphthous stomatitis, a condition that affects between 16% and 41% of people with coeliac disease. Aphthous stomatitis is an autoimmune inflammation of the lining of the mouth, characterised by the repeated formation of painful but benign ulcers (mouth ulcers) on the inner lining of the lips or cheeks, or on the lining of the tongue or pharynx.
Another sign to keep an eye on is the appearance of white spots on the enamel, which are present in 10% to 90% of patients with coeliac disease, particularly children. These enamel spots may show abnormalities in texture and strength, because the inflammatory processes linked to coeliac disease alter the cells responsible for producing the crystals that make up enamel.
The dentist can therefore make an important contribution to identifying patients with a disease as difficult to diagnose as coeliac disease. One more reason to have regular check-ups and periodic professional dental cleaning sessions.
Credits: photo by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash
