I’m petrified of the dentist. I haven’t been in years and if I wasn’t already scarred enough, the recent news stories about crazy dentists pulling out people’s teeth without their knowledge have not helped. Almost anything is better than the dentist, or at least so I thought.
Last week I finally sucked it up and went.
I did not want to, but I knew I had a cavity and let the responsible adult inside me make an appointment. I got a sitter and dragged myself there. After a battle to find parking I nearly gave up and left, but I’m glad I didn’t. It was the best dental experience I have ever had. Not only was my hygienist fantastic, the dentist nice and office staff helpful, but my gums were actually in good shape. It was the first time ever. In my past experience, no matter what I did, there were always problems. At first I could not figure out what was different, I was pretty sure not going to the dentist for 5 years or so doesn’t improve your teeth and gums, but then it hit me. I had gone gluten-free.
Could it be possible? Had going gluten-free really contributed to healthier gums and teeth?
I mentioned it to my hygienist and she said it was highly possible and it made sense, but she wasn’t sure. I decided to hit the trusty ole’ internet to see if their had been any studies done on Celiac and dental health. Low and behold there had been. There was even evidence of dentists being the first to see signs of Celiac disease and referring patients to Gastroenterologist. It makes sense. If your body does not absorb nutrients properly than your teeth are not getting the nutrients they need either.
According to the Celiac Disease Awareness Campaign of the National Institutes of Health the first step for many who discover they have Celiac is a trip to the Dentist. Some problems that can be seen involve tooth discoloration and poor enamel formation.
It is amazing how connected the human body is. Celiac disease can manifest itself in different forms. From your teeth to headaches to your gut, going gluten-free can help in many ways. Share on X Continue Reading…