You might have read about it in a health magazine or discussed it with your doctor. Gluten-free diets have exploded in popularity across the country. But what is celiac disease and how does it affect your diet and teeth?
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein, not harmful for those who can tolerate it, but bad for those who cannot. The human body is incapable of completely breaking it down, and this is where problems begin for those with the disease.
Your Dentist, Tooth Health and Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a direct indicator of your body’s intolerance towards gluten. Sensitivity to gluten surfaces in varied forms. And the health of your teeth can sometimes tell your body’s story.
Tooth enamel is 96% mineral content. Celiac disease rids the body of its ability to absorb essential nutrients, thus directly affecting the health of your teeth. When proteins responsible tooth enamel begin acting up, your dentist can tell.
A dentist is sometimes the first to let patients know that sudden decay of teeth may not be due to oral reasons.
Is a Gluten-Free Diet the Only Answer?
Only those diagnosed with celiac disease are at a serious risk. Others can simply avoid it if they choose to.
