Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years as studies show more links between different aspects of our health and consuming gluten. Studies have shown that individuals with celiac disease must follow a strictly gluten-free diet to experience relief from their symptoms. More people without celiac disease are becoming interested in trying a gluten-free diet to see how it might benefit their health, too.
We know that a gluten-free diet can heal digestive issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and skin conditions such as eczema. Is it possible, though, that a gluten-free diet can improve your dental health as well? Here are a few of the ways that adopting a gluten-free diet can improve the health of your teeth.
Enamel Erosion
Many people with celiac disease suffer from noticeable erosion of their teeth enamel, weakened teeth, excessive cavities, and discolored teeth. Celiac disease blocks the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals – including ones required for healthy teeth and bones – leading to the loss of mineralization of the teeth. Once tooth enamel is lost, it cannot repair itself, but a gluten-free diet can at least stop it in its tracks.
Chronic Inflammation of Gums
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the body, including the gums. People with gluten allergies often suffer from periodontal disease and have inflamed, red, swollen, painful gums. A gluten-free diet can relieve the symptoms of gum disease by relieving inflammation.
Bad Breath & Tooth Decay
Whether or not you have a gluten sensitivity, popular foods that contain gluten – foods like breads, cookies, cakes, and crackers – break down in the mouth to form high levels of glucose, which sticks to the teeth. The bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth decay thrive on glucose. When you consume foods that break down into the sugary, sticky glucose this bacteria needs to multiply, you increase your chances of cavities.
Do you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or are you simply curious about improving your health? Eliminating or greatly reducing the amount of gluten-containing products you consume can have positive impacts on the health of your teeth. You may experience less plaque build-up, have fresher breath, and find you have fewer cavities when you go for your next dental exam.
Speaking of your next exam, our team at Overland Park Family Dental can’t wait to see you and care for your smile!