New here; did the dentist gluten me?

[MausenMumma]

Hello, I'm not officially diagnosed as Coeliac - don't want to do the gluten challenge - but very much happier now I'm living without gluten. The back and joint pain is no longer an issue, stomach is so much happier, and I believe my energy levels are rising. I do have Necrobiosis Lipoidica on my legs, but that, allegedly, won't change - regardless of my diet.

Yesterday, I had a hygienist appointment. I woke at 3 a.m. with a blinding headache and nausea. Have felt fogged and unwell all day. Nothing I ate was out of the ordinary, but it does make me wonder if something she used on my teeth had gluten in it? I've checked out my own toothpastes today, and they're 'ok' as far as they can be.

[BabsyWabsy]

It is possible. Does your dentist know you are gluten free? As I understand it, most dental products are gluten free these days, but some come with a disclaimer that they don't use gluten, but don't test the product is gluten free either. This raises a question about possible cross contamination. Do you think you should report your bad reaction to your dental practice, so they can check what they are using, and you have a better outcome next time?

[MausenMumma in reply to BabsyWabsy]

You know, I mentioned it to the dentist before the hygienist, just in passing and he wasn't overly interested. I will write a letter - I will find an info sheet, or some such thing, and include it.

[MTCee]

I once visited the dental hygienist and afterwards got a bad gum infection that required antibiotics to get rid of. I’d never had such a thing before and my teeth were in very good condition before the cleaning. I assumed that the hygienist must have disturbed hidden bacteria hiding in hard to reach plaque deposits during the cleaning. Maybe something similar happened to you? Maybe it was an exposure to gluten and/or bacteria that’s been hiding in plaque deposits? Hope you feel better soon.

[MausenMumma in reply to MTCee]

That's an interesting thought re: bacteria. I can't say what it was, but the resulting pains were familiar as gluten effect.

[Hidden]

I would say if all the symptoms relate to your normal 'glutened' response there's strong possibility of link with dental visit.

Only way to know is check with dentist and ask specific questions on what was used, if gf, and then also ask for the names of all the products so that you can double-check yourself.

Another point is the gloves dentist's use may have a powder coating that might contain gluten. This is apparently not the norm anymore, but still slim possibility.

[MausenMumma in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I'll definitely ask them some questions!

[MausenMumma in reply to Hidden]

And, thanks: yes, I need to start being confident about having a response to gluten - part of the accepting it all, I guess.

[Hidden in reply to MausenMumma]

Don't worry - you'll get there with the questionning/complaining! It will become second nature ; )

[MausenMumma in reply to Hidden]

Ha ha ha!