Does anybody know if there is there a... - Gluten Free Guerr...
Does anybody know if there is there a link between gluten intolerance and periodontal gum disease?
I'm not sure but my dentist says that my ceoliac disesase IS linked to my gum disease?
I worked out I was wheat intolerant when I stopped eating any solid food for a week or so when I had a tooth out. My excema type skin problems cleared up a few days later and the months of really bad mouth ulcers stopped soon after. If I go back on wheat for any reason my skin flares up and I start to get mouth ulcers again. Not sure if mouth ulcers and gum disease are related but it's possible. This is all anecdotal as you can tell so I'd be interested to find out if there has been any formal investigation of a relationship.
I'd be very interested to find out about this after general poor health during menopause (including persistent gingivitis) leading to a health crisis which I figured out was gluten ataxia. Doctor and dentists didn't have a clue. Never felt better since giving up gluten - and the gingivitis has cleared up - not until I lost some teeth though 
There have actually been several studies linking gum disease and gluten sensitivity. For example see this study Eur J Oral Sci. 2012 Apr ;120(2):104-12. In this 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.
In addition it is worth pointing out that there are other conditions and symptoms of the mouth that have been tied to gluten sensitivity. This includes
Canker sores
Geographic tongue (gluten induced damage on the tongue – makes the tongue look similar to a topographical map)
Tonsil stones
Pharyngeal Erythema (chronic severe redness in the back of the throat)
Excessive mucus production (leads to chronic throat clearing)
Bad breath
Metallic taste in the mouth
Inflammatory gum disease
There are other issues to consider too. Without effective gut healing there are often issues with malabsorption of fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin K, vitamin D as well as minerals calcium, zinc, magnesium. Probiotic levels are also disturbed which help produce vitamins like Biotin and vitamin K. These are important for bone health including tooth health. Undigested foods / gluten peptides etc potentially could also influence the pH levels - which in turn may be linked to tooth decay. Also if you have inflammation in the body which again is linked to CD can result in systemic inflammation - i.e anywhere in the body including the mouth
You may wish to consider taking certain supplements to support tooth and gum health - CoQ10 for example has been shown to be pariticularly beneficial against gum disease - this has been demonstrated in a number of research papers and you may wish to look at bone supporting nutrients too
e.g Prakash et. al. (2010) ,Role of coenzyme Q10 as an antioxidant and bioenergizer in periodontal diseases Indian J Pharmacol. 2010 December; 42(6): 334–337.
doi: 10.4103/0253-7613.71884
Hope this is helpful
I think Bicylces answer below is very comprehensive & illuminating.
I would just like to add that for me, before I realised I was having a problem with gluten, amongst the usual myriad of problems I was having, I was having dreadful trouble with one side of my gum/teeth, whereas I have never generally had problems with my teeth. The dentist just told me my enamel was wearing away & my teeth were getting more sensitive. Since going GF, the problems cleared up immediately - now just hoping that the enamel didn't have a chance to get too thin before I stopped the 'nasty stuff'! Obviously told my dentist as she is quite open minded, so at least if another patient suffers froma similar thing, it may be worth her mentioning it to them.
Thank you for these helpful answers. I have trawled through various sites to find an answer to my question. When I was diagnosed with periodontal gum disease approx 5 years ago I was so shocked because I had always had good oral hygiene practices, visited the dentist and hygienist every 6 months and needed very little treatment. I could not understand it. As you all probably know this condition develops over time. Therefore it could probably synchronise with my developing gluten intolerance. I don’t think I have enamel problems, but I do seem to have gum infection. I still don’t need much treatment (touch wood) but bone is wearing away causing teeth to become loose which can cause an abscess. Apparently I have ‘pockets’ of this disease and it can be arrested. Initially when I stopped eating gluten, last December, I thought I saw an improvement in my oral health, but now I am not so sure. I have my 6 monthly appointments with the dentist and hygienist soon so will definitely discuss it with them – and I have a dietician’s appointment this week so a good thing to discuss there. I really don’t want to lose my teeth and would be so grateful to learn about other precautionary methods I could use if this is related to gluten intolerance as it may not be. Bicycle thanks for the refs will try and find them.
Thanks for asking this question Urban Girl! I've suffered gum disease for over ten years, despite good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.Now x-rays have confirmed jaw bone-loss... Yet when I asked the dentist I was told there was no link between gluten problems and gum disease. He said it was due to me having previously smoked, but Bicycle's answer makes more sense.
Before going GF blood tests confirmed I had high levels of inflammation in my body and my gums were bleeding often. I have noticed a lot of improvement in recent months, but don't know whether that due to me taking Coenzyme 10 or being GF now - perhaps both!
I'm also thinking of doing a trial using a Turmeric/rock salt/mustard oil mix rubbed onto the gums - there are studies showing improvement in gum disease using these more natural ayurvedic methods:
ijdr.in/article.asp?issn=09...
Best wishes, Rita
Wow ... thank you Rita! I never realised how good turmeric can be for you. It certainly is worth a try and can help other ailments like aching joints. I will have a go at this. Doesn't seem like the taste is going to be pleasant! Do you know where to get mustard oil from? Let me know how it goes.
BTW when I asked the dentist why I as a patient who diligently cleaned their teeth and took care of oral hygiene, got periodontal gum disease, yet my husband who rarely visits a dentist and cleans his teeth in a cursory manner doesn't, he could offer no answer other than some are more predisposed.
Best wishes, Urbangirl
HI Urbangirl, I ordered some mustard oil from amazon. Because of European law they aren't allowed to sell it as edible as there is some controversy over it, but as I'm only rubbing it on my gums (and my scalp as its apparently great for hair too!) I'm happy to take the chance. 
It's supposed to be a potent anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, all properties Turmeric has as well, so if you didn't want to use the Mustard oil maybe you could mix it with extra virgin coconut oil or olive oil instead?
Turmeric is great, so many health benefits and cheap! Be sure to use the organic pure stuff though.
Will let you know how I get on in time. Best wishes, Rita
Yep keep us posted please.
I've had bleeding every time I brush my teeth for 3 years now,
my teeth look yellow on photos also, and I'm conscious of my breath occasionally.
I brush twice a day, but this bleeding will not go away.
My dentist said cannot see anything, so yes could be the gums
This is interesting, I'd never thought of it before.
I went through a period of about 5 years from 2001-2006 where I suffered severe receding gums, but only in two places, between the upper back teeth, first on one side, then the other. Eventually they became so loose that I had them taken out, well one actually fell out!
This is the same period I had major gut problems (1999 onwards). 2004 was the peak when it became really severe and I reacted to anything I ate. It's also when I discovered that antihistamines helped.
Perhaps it's coincidence, but the gum problem hasn't spread. Dentist couldn't explain it. Sad thing is that there was nothing wrong with the teeth, it was the gums. I've only every had 2 fillings!
Hi Upnabout, Its strange how many of us have the gum problems without the teeth probs. Defo suggests its the gluten/inflammation at work rather than our dental hygiene.? I presume your loose teeth were due to bone loss as well as the receding gums? That's what my dentist says causes the wobbles!
No fillings for me this year again, but more apps with the hygienist!
I'm not sure there is much you can do once the gums start to recede. Even manic dental hygiene will only delay the inevitable tooth loss. Once it gets to the stage that you have 'pockets' between the teeth, food gets caught there and it's just lots of soreness, misery and a lost cause. I tried all sorts to preserve the teeth, thinking it would spread to my whole mouth. With hindsight I wouldn't have bothered - I'd have just had them extracted and saved myself several years of pain and hassle. Not sure about bone loss, I didn't ever discuss it.
It's difficult to know for sure what caused it.
I'd kind of thought it was because I'd had years of problems with a partially emerged wisdom tooth that was always getting infected. I'd avoided having it taken out mainly because a dentist when I was 20 had scared me - he talked of 'big job', 'hospital' as he sucked in his breath - a bit like a cowboy builder telling you the only way to fix a leaking pipe would be to rebuild the foundations! Eventually I did have it removed by a dentist who told me it wasn't a big job. I was doubtful, but he was right. I was expecting him to be standing on my shoulders and prepared myself. I thought he was just starting when the tooth was already out - 10 seconds. If I'd known I would have had it done 15 years earlier.
I'm still unsure if the gluten thing caused the gum problems. Clearly at some point in the last 15 years I started reacting to it or something similar. Going g/f has certainly eased most of my GI problems, but I still don't have a definite diagnosis. It's certainly possible that I am some sort of pre-coeliac. My brother was recently diagnosed in his 50s - he's a bit older than me.
I also wonder if the gum problems were caused by other things. In 1998 my immune system was destroyed, basically I didn't have one. It has since recovered somewhat.
It also makes me think about a friend of mine who also had severe gum problems much worse than mine. She'd had breast cancer at around the age of 40, which she survived. After that she really suffered with gum problems. She's the one who was really manic about dental hygiene. All her efforts certainly delayed the problem, but in the end even she decided that the only solution was to have the teeth taken out. Sadly, 15 years later she developed lung cancer, which she didn't survive. She died in her mid 50s.
It's difficult to know really!
If I get glutened my gums swell.....my dentist says yes that cd does affect your gums and teeth..I've seen a marked improvement in the 12 months I've been gluten free....I go every three months for a scale and polish...this helps keep my gums in good condition...
This article gives a lot of information on what dentists should look out for. Coeliac disease can affect your teeth really badly, unfortunately.
Sorry, the pictures are a bit nasty!
Interesting article Penel thank you. Do you think dentists in the UK are up to speed on this? It really is quite important isn't it? However, I don't know if I have coeliac but I am gluten intolerant and wonder if these problems are different for intolerance. Despite my oral hygiene practice I get gingivitis regularly but don't really have much tooth decay, although I have a fair few fillings and crowns that I have collected over 6 decades! I want to hang on to my teeth! Besides gingivitis is not nice. I am going to try this turmeric thing that Rustic Rita suggested! But I can't wait to go to the dentist and the the hygienist to tell them all these things!
I have spent a fortune on dentist removing amalgam metals etc Did not make a difference to my health ...GFD has always worked combined with blood type diet ...it is all about inflammation which turmeric is great for ...so stop fueling the fire helps. All the teeth relate to our organs toothwizards do a great chart online which shows this
Thank you again something that is not realized gluten sensitivity is predominantly a neurological problem ...malabsorbtion etc Dr Tom O 'Bryan has great information ALL the research that has been done universally .
Every Part of the body is related to another ...we are a whole being ....what you see is the tip of the iceberg
I just want to say this...I am 62 now and when I was 12 getting braces, I was diagnosed with gum disease...it has been a part of me all this time..over the years, I took extra vit c to help with the bleeding and this did make a difference....I recently have found out I have gluten issues and will be getting biopsies in about 2 weeks...I shared this thread with my dental hygienist and she was really impressed...she is going to monitor me, after I go GF, and if she sees progress will recommend to her patients suggesting GF to help with gingivitis...
Hello MitchellBarbara, That is very young to be diagnosed with gum disease. Did your orthodontist give you oral hygiene advice? I ask because twenty or so years ago my kids had braces when they were in their teens, got no advice, neither did I, and some of their teeth got ruined. Fortunately their gums were okay. Its good that your hygienist is interested in this.
I recently had a check up at the dentist and he took xrays which showed no more bone loss which I am so pleased about. Because of my newly diagnosed gluten intolerance the dentist is going to monitor me every 3 months for a while. He told me gingivitis can be stress related. I didn't have any tooth decay! And my gums were healthy. I have not intentionally eaten gluten since the beginning of December last year. I don't know if this is coincidence. But I feel good about it!
actually he only said to brush more...however I was already brushing satisfactorily...didn't really get any more suggestions than that...then about 33 years ago I went to the dentist because I had wisdom teeth coming in crooked and cutting my cheeks...I had them pulled...that dentist said that because of my gingivitis that I would lose my teeth within anouther 5 years...LOL...I still have my teeth...I have cleanings every 3 months, because of the gum disease...and have no bleeding until about 3 weeks before the next cleaning...I have NOT HAD CAVITIES in about 20 years tho..I do have bone loss....I do have senstivity tho, and use sensodine..checked to see if my FAVORITE flavor was GF and it wasn't so I changed to the Sensodine Pro-Namel which is GF...
Hae only just come across this. I hae been coeliac for a year now, and was told it was related to the osteoporosis I have had for many years. I have had mouth trouble for a long time, bleeding etc, and was just told to clean my teeth more. I hae a dental appointment on Monday, so will discuss it with her then. Many thanks
This is a fascinating thread.
I suddenly developed receding gums earlier this year, following a gluten challenge. It wasn't called gum disease, but I keep my mouth scrupulously clean because I'd got oral thrush (also thanks to the challenge, good idea - not!)
My dentist said the receding gums were caused by too much brushing. Brushing is either too much or too little when it comes to gums!
I've also got geographic tongue which I'm pretty sure is caused by gluten exposure. Oh yes, and an insanely itchy rash appeared recently on my foot. It is starting to feel like I am watching what happens as coeliac disease develops.
Off to look up that reference!
I got told my receding gums were due to too much brushing too. I have a dentist appointment this week for a check up. Since the last one I have had on and off gum problems despite good oral hygiene so will be interested to hear what he has to say. I now think I might have got this tempormandibular joint problem where my jaw clicks and locks.
I, too, have suffered from gum disease (55years). It began when I was 16 years old. I am 69 years old now and was diagnosed with Hashimotos, Celiac 7 years ago (2011) and most recently Dermatitis Herpetiformis (Celiac skin disease). I went off wheat in 2011 and since then I try to stay away from most grains. Looking back I can now see the progressive decline in my health from a reaction to the oral polio vaccine at age 13. After recovering from that reaction, my hair started falling out and my skin became extremely dry, (Hypothyroidism). At 14 and 15 I had two bouts with Mononucleosis and then at 16 the periodontal problems began. At 19 I developed allergies. In my 30's I declined into CFS, which I was able to overcome as well as suffering with Fibro for 8 years in my 40's. And, now the Hashimotos (which I probably have had for most of my life, if the truth be told, along with being Celiac). So, I firmly do believe it is all related to autoimmune disease. As far as the periodontal is concerned, my gums are in pretty bad shape with at least one bottom front tooth actually no longer being attached to my jaw bone. I have resorted in resent years to just flossing and using a water pik; no brushing. I intend to look into some of the links others have posted for further help.
Also as an aside, I am one of those people my Homeopathic doctors calls; "Opposite People." We are the ones (5%-10% of the population) the pharmaceutical companies have to put warnings on their meds for because we tend to react adversely to pharma meds, some of us reacting to others who are on meds. I myself have suffered terribly from seasonal allergies since 1969, but am allergic to antihistimines and my life was hell for many years, in the spring, because I could find no homeopathic, herbal or holistic things that worked. I finally found a number of products that do work, a couple of years ago and that greatly increased my quality of life. Anyway, in my previous post I forgot to mention that along with the care of my gums (flossing and water pik) I began oil pulling several years ago. Coconut oil was not to my body's liking and so I switched to Hemp oil combined with Cannabis infused Avocado oil. It is making a difference.
Catryna you have certainly had quite a lot to cope with and it must be difficult disentangling the symptoms from each of the conditions. My teeth and gums had been relatively healthy for the last few years, since I stopped eating gluten. However, following surgery I had after an accident things have deteriorated, possibly due to stress, physical and emotional connected to the surgery. I know that when this happens I have to be very scrupulous in giving them attention.
I am interested in the 'Opposite People' as I am one! I react to virtually every medication I take and most recently to the pain relief post surgery. What I find most difficult is explaining this to medics as I think they consider me neurotic and problematic, especially when I can't tolerate over the counter medications. Not being able to tolerate pain relief was quite distressing but fortunately this was after the worst pain had subsided. However, it worries me as I might need further surgery and I don't think that alternatives work in the same way. I have taken cannabis oil but that was from a High Street store and not that effective.
Take care and I hope you get some progress with the other suggestions here.
There is a lot to know about gum disease and how it impacts on many health issues. Check out ignoreyourteeth.com
There are many diseases linked to gum disease. Check out ignoreyourteeth.com.
Wow...this is an old thread, but I went GF over a year ago due to intense joint/back pain. Three days into my GF diet, I was pain-free. For real.
Fast forward to June/July 2016. I decided to step out and have foods that contained gluten. Not often, not a lot, but just to see my tolerance. About 30 minutes after consuming a roll with gluten, my gums start to itch, my teeth get sensitive, and my gums actually recede. It's very bizarre, but it definitely happens every time. Tonight I had Chicken Tostadas that were supposed to be made from corn -- but I KNOW they were flour-based, because of my gum reaction. I have tried a few different types of rolls, and ciabatta rolls have the most gluten. In addition to gum/teeth issues, I felt lethargic, had stomach issues, and joint pain.
I do not have Celiac, but definitely have Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. It's NOT a BS condition. Why WOULDN'T I want to have cheesesteaks, hoagies and bagels?
This thread is quite old, but I wanted to add for anyone else out there looking this up. I have always had issues with my teeth and was diagnosed with severe Celiacs two years ago. I didn't really put two and two together until this year. I found a dentist who also has done research into Oral health and auto immune dieseases. I found out yesterday i had the very beginning stages of Peridontal disease and the assistant showed me some scary pictures to try and get me to "Take care of my teeth" because every dentist or assistant who has no knowledge of celiacs disease just assumes we are gross and don't take care of our teeth.
However when the doctor finally came in to consult she said "You have really nice teeth(minus some cavities and lack of enamel) and none of the signs that you should be getting periodontal disease. You have this because of the inflammation of your immune system because of your disease. It also inflames your gums and is causing this." Her biggest request was to stop all things that can inflame you immune system, so for example I can't wear fake silver earings as they give me a rash, she said I should have no metal fillings either(however I do) and I should never put metal in my body. Same goes for any of you if you are allergic to latex or any other thing. We have to be extra on top of these things because our body wants to reject everything. Anyways, if I come up with a good fix for my teeth issues I will update. Until then I hope this can help someone else.
Also email around until you find a dentist willing to do research. (You are paying them after all) I am ecstatic I finally found one willing to listen and research the medical side that I don't know anything about. It has given me hope with my teeth that I haven't had in a long time.
Thanks for this Faye. I am particularly interested in the amalgam fillings as I have quite a few. I will talk to the dentist about this at my next check up. He is young and keen on research. I also am allergic to latex, anything that is not silver or gold and some medication.
I found some study data that states that indicates gluten consumption can trigger gum inflammation. It triggers your immune system to have an "allergic" response to your tooth enamel The only empirical data I can offer is that once I stopped eating gluten gum loss, inflammation etc have substantially decreased. I also supplement alot with glutamine arginine which have helped significantly.
Kiki I think my gums have always been sensitive as I was sensitive to gluten. Although when I initially stopped eating gluten they were sensitive they have gradually improved and I think there was a delay due to the backlog. But they improved so much I only needed to see the dentist and hygienist annually. I have had a bit of a set back recently due to the need for surgery. I suspect I will always be susceptible to gum disease and have to be really diligent about oral hygiene. Thanks for the info on glutamine arginine - were did you purchase this?
