New Study Finds That Patients with Gluten Sensitivity Have Tooth Enamel Issues

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...antibodies against gliadin generated in patients with CD (celiac disease) can react in vitro with a major enamel protein. The involvement of anti-gliadin serum in the pathogenesis of enamel defects in children with untreated CD can be hypothesized on the basis of these novel results.
Research Source:

Eur J Oral Sci. 2012 Apr ;120(2):104-12.

In this research study, it was confirmed that gluten causes the body to produce an immune reaction against one of the main proteins responsible for producing enamel on the teeth. Lack of enamel leads to a variety of oral health problems including excessive cavities, excessive tooth ware and tear, and eventually the premature destruction or loss of teeth. It is no mystery that gluten proteins can negatively impact the health of the oral cavity. Even dentists are starting to take an active role in recognizing this problem.

Oral Diseases Linked to Gluten

There are many disease conditions and symptoms of the mouth that have been tied to gluten sensitivity.

  • Canker sores
  • Geographic tongue (gluten induced damage on the tongue - makes the tongue look similar to a topographical map)
  • Tonsilar stones or exudates (appears as white lumps of puss embedded in the tonsils)
  • Pharyngeal Erythema (chronic severe redness in the back of the throat)
  • Excessive mucus production (leads to chronic throat clearing)
  • Bad breath
  • Cystic Frenula (a small cyst can form on the flap of skin connecting your top lip to your gums)
  • Metallic taste in the mouth
  • Inflammatory gum disease
Food Effects What it Comes in to Contact With

The mouth, tongue, teeth and soft tissues in the intestinal tract are no exception. Good or bad, food can impact the overall condition of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Chemically speaking, food can impact the pH (acid/base) balance and alter the quantity of good and bad bacteria. These bacteria are essential for helping us regulate our immune system, digest our food, and produce vitamins like Biotin and vitamin K.

Why is this important? The improper pH has been linked to gum disease and tooth decay as well. Additionally, a pH that is too acidic has been shown to contribute to cancer, heart disease, bone loss, diabetes, and many more chronic degenerative conditions. Vitamin K is essential for bone density, immune regulation, and blood clotting. Biotin is essential for the proper growth of hair and skin as well as essential in the proper metabolic breakdown of fat.

Abnormal food reactions can cause inflammatory damage. To the contrary, healthy food can provide necessary nutrients directly to the gastrointestinal tract. 40% of nutrients for the gut come directly from food, not from the blood supply. Bottom line: don't ignore the power that food has over your oral and gastrointestinal health.

Need help going gluten free? Check out the Glutenology Health Matrix here