More and more nowadays, you hear about people who are trying a gluten-free diet. But as we all know, the things we eat (or don't eat) can have a large impact on our lives, including our dental health. How does adopting a gluten-free diet impact oral health?

What Is gluten?

Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye and barley. It acts as a sort of glue that holds food together and maintains its shape. It is found in many common foods, and most people know it can be found in breads, pasta and cereals, but many are surprised to learn that it can be found in soups, sauces, salad dressings and beer.

Why would someone stop eating gluten?

Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that is triggered by gluten. Symptoms can include gas and bloating, weight loss, a constant tired feeling and vomiting. Celiac disease can lead to long-term problems that are very serious because it causes the body to stop absorbing nutrients as it should. Other people may have a wheat allergy, which is different than celiac disease. This is especially common in infancy and early childhood, and children that have a wheat allergy typically have other food allergies as well.

Is a gluten-free diet bad for oral health?

If you are considering a gluten-free diet, you might be concerned about how it will affect your body, and one of your concerns may be your oral health. Not to worry if you have celiac disease or a wheat allergy, it might actually be doing damage to your oral health, so a gluten-free diet will only help. Some symptoms of celiac disease that your dentist might notice are:

  • Ulcers, lesions, sores or a rash in the mouth

  • Cracking lips or cracking at the corners of the mouth

  • A tongue that is painful and tender to the touch, and appears smooth and glossy

  • Yellow, gray or brown spots on teeth or tooth discoloration

  • Poor enamel formation

  • Pitting or grooves in teeth

  • Translucent teeth

  • In children with celiac disease, teeth may be undersized

    • If you have had celiac disease or a wheat allergy for awhile and it has permanently damaged your teeth, you should visit with best dentist in Tysons Corner,Va.

    Some recent research is also showing that grains and even nuts, seeds and legumes can cause damage to teeth even if you don't have celiac disease or a wheat allergy. The culprit seems to be phytic acid, which the body has a hard time absorbing. As the body tries to absorb phytic acid, it actually saps calcium and other minerals from the body, which is bad for bones and teeth.

    Modern methods of food growing, such as the use of high phosphorus fertilizer, means that our diets have more phytic acid than ever. Studies show that people who consume large amounts of this acid have higher rates of mineral deficiencies, osteoporosis and tooth decay. This is especially a problem in children as a diet high in phytic acid can mean the jawbone doesn't form properly, which results in spacing problems and tooth decay.

    If you are having oral health issues because of the phytic acid in grains, the good news is that when you cut down on grain products, teeth start to grow healthier almost right away. Of course, if you have celiac disease or a wheat allergy, you should talk to your doctor about how to take care of yourself. Your best dentist in Tysons Corner, Va., will be able to answer your questions.

    Author's Bio: 

    Jessica Walter is a content writer and she loves outdoors, beaches and travel.